Behind the blows of brilliance of Dupont, the improved victory owes a lot to the Toulouse bench, with Médard and Méafou in particular.
The Toulousains had the banana after this cold evening. It was almost the least of things. A victory with offensive bonus, an ultra-decisive leader Antoine Dupont. An obsessive offensive game that ends up paying off (read the Wide Angle page), an impression of euphoria that ended in a kind of fireworks display. These are the most obvious factors of this last success of the hard year 2020. “A success to wear,” commented a modest Dupont about his personal contribution.
However, by quickly reviewing the game in our memory, we find other striking differences between the two teams. The scrum first, it was a devastating push from his pack that the Stade owed its last try of the first half concluded by Selevasio Tolofua. Ironically, this piece of bravery made up for an error made by Pita Ahki who was at ease throughout the match. After eliminating several defenders, he ended the action with a bad pass which allowed Maynadier to save the furniture but to concede a scrum at five meters. We have not forgotten either that Lebel’s test at the end of the line came from a master ball carried from his forwards (68th).
The Bordelais may not have displayed the same collective mastery. “But overall, even if everything was not perfect. We found ourselves in our offensive game. We absolutely wanted to avoid their counter-attacks. And I believe we succeeded. Even if, in the twentieth, they hurt us in this area. In the end, we set our pace, that was the goal. Even though we messed up a few balloons, we went through with our intentions. “
The Medard symbol
Laurent Thuéry, assistant coach in charge of defense also alluded to the contribution of his sidelines. “It was a showdown that turned after the 50th. Our replacements then brought us a lot. On the defensive level first with a few phases that have come together well. Better than in the first half for example. On the offensive side, of course, we also experienced personal successes, but with our entrants we were able to get the point of the bonus with application. “
Precisely, it is the veteran Maxime Médard who flattened this final balloon, served by Ramos. The rear at the four Brennus has perfectly negotiated the end of the meeting with his inspiration and his accuracy. The final ordeal of the Bordelais also owes a lot to the entries of Charlie Faumuina and Guillaume Marchand, really very active. Relaunched on the question of the contribution of his bench Laurent Thuéry also mentioned his five in front. Emmanuel Meafou, one of the least known of the workforce, also contributed. The 22-year-old Australian has distinguished himself on all hot spots. In the eyes necessarily exercised by his coaches, he scored very valuable points. He who was only three times holder in Top 14 will be one of the players who should experience a great rise.
–
