Toulouse takes its place
It was necessary to “put the church back in the center of the country”, according to rearguard coach Clément Poitnaud, after a run of three games without a win. Although it took some time to establish his superiority, the leader accomplished his mission in terms of accounting against Usap (34-13) with the offensive bonus.
Buoyed by the return of his internationals, including scrum-half Antoine Dupont who came on during the match, he is nine points clear of La Rochelle going into the match against Stade Français which is played in the evening.
The five-times European champions will still have to climb the slider again for entry into the European Cup race next week with Irish side Munster.
Clermont breathes
Under pressure, Clermont suffered the most to end, against defending champions Montpellier (19-14), their run of four games without success.
“Not to be missed,” ASM full-back Damian Penaud later snapped, as the crowd proclaimed their love to persuade him to extend his lease in the Auvergne.
A token of affection which may have unsettled him as he offered his New Zealand counterpart George Bridge the first try of the match following a personal error, for whom it was his first match in MHR colours.
Luckily for Penaud, who said he was still thinking about his future, the Clermont forwards struck back to a penetrating maul marvel to allow an entire club to breathe.
UBB sinks Brive
The UBB is also breathing a little better. The Girondin club won the game of fear against the red lantern, Brive (33-13) with the offensive bonus.
Beaten in Perpignan last week in their first outing after coach Christophe Urios’ absence, Matthieu Jalibert’s team-mates, brilliant again on Saturday, can continue to look up.
On the other hand, the electroshock still awaits the Corréziens who chain the seventh consecutive defeat, despite the movement on the bench.
Bayonne hurts the “grown-ups”
After Racing 92, Bordeaux-Bègles, La Rochelle and Toulouse, another big car in the championship, Lyon, fell to Jean-Dauger’s Bayonne fortress (19-7).
Thanks in particular to two falls of its owner Camille Lopez in the Basque rain, the promoted has extended his invincibility at home, which could allow him to experience a peaceful end of the season.
on the 12thAnd the day will continue on Sunday with Castres-Pau at 2 pm and Toulon-Racing in the evening (9.05 pm).
