Top 14 Final: Toulouse triumphed in Star Wars French rugby against La Rochelle
And Roman Netmac appeared. Bringing down Stade Rochela in the 78th minute, Toulouse’s opener showcased his club’s Brennus shield with a brilliant penetration and a masterful attempt at the end of the suspense. Les Rouge et Noir eventually won this intense and highly committed final. Rochelle, two-time European champions, once again sees the top 14 pull away from them, two years after losing a final to these Toulouse residents…
One of the questions in French rugby’s Star Wars was: the young Paduan from La Rochelle, despite two consecutive Champions Cup titles, will they overcome the psychological upswing that their opponent from Toulouse has gained over the years? Wins in the last nine encounters, including two in the continental and national finals in 2021?
The beginning of the game seems to show that the Maritimes have been overtaken by the dark side of Toulouse’s power. Giant Will Skelton does not get ahead, and the ultra-aggressive defense of Ugo Mola’s men hits the target. About Rochelet. Like the opener Antoine Hastoy who, in his first match at the Stade de France, missed an entry penalty, then a second penalty. Behind him, he caught Romain Ntamak with his kick over the La Rochelle defense and saved Toulouse 50m out. A little later, Thomas Ramos did not miss the target and gave the red and black a first advantage (3-0, 9).
Toulouse’s experience has spoken. And even when the more experienced ones weaken, the entire La Rochelle ship is tipping over. Jonathan Dante drops a ball on contact, Santiago Chocobares catches it to go for a try. The break has already been made (13-3, 23). The proud red and black crowd, blazing in the stands, can be seen already there.
La Rochelle’s dominance in the brawl
It was without dependence on the new confidence of the Maritimes. La Rochelle relies, more often than not, on its packaging. In particular, it won two chariots that offer large penalties, allowing La Rochelle to close in on Toulouse’s lines. Until this attempt, he bathed New Zealand half Tawera Kerr-Barlow, before the break (13-13). Everything must be done again. The 80,000 Stade de France spectators are very happy.
On the strength of this little comeback, Ronan O’Gara players return swelled with certainty. Grégory Alldritt continues to gain meters, Jonathan Danty stops making passes and finds himself in the role that suits him best, that of a puncher. After a run typical of La Rochelle’s strength, Uini Atonio scored his first try of the season (13-20, 45). La Rochelle took over for the first time.
Trench warfare deals damage. Highly anticipated row two Emmanuel Mevaux came in just before the hour mark, but Rouge and Noir have other talents in their stable. Thomas Ramos is one. Flawless as always on foot, the French 15th’s back-scorer, after three penalties, put Stade Toulouse back on top in the Brinnous race (22-20, 63rd place). Not for long.
Hastoy puts the Maritimes ahead, and Roman Ntamak also goes there with his balls, with a striker at the beginning of the last quarter of the hour, followed by Thomas Ramos, then not finding a decisive touch … (22 – 26, 71). Does mastery change aspects? That was before Roman Netamak was flashed. harsh on Rochela.
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