Racing 92 ideally prepared for its European quarter-final, next week in Clermont, by calmly dominating Montpellier (41-17) on Friday during the second day of the Top 14, also marked by the victory of Pau over Agen (33-23 ).
With this second success in a row, after that in Lyon (25-14) at the opening of the championship, the Ciel et Blancs take the lead of the Top 14, at least temporarily, while waiting for the other meetings of the day.
The Racingmen, carried by a metronomic Finn Russell, scored five tries against too undisciplined Montpellierers who, in addition, lost Handré Pollard, their world champion opener, injured in the left knee during contact with Baptiste Chouzenoux (49th ).
The South African left the stadium in an ambulance, headed for the hospital, and could miss a few weeks.
"There is nothing to say, Racing is a great team, they are superior to us", railed MHR rear Anthony Bouthier.
As during the defeat in front of Pau (26-23), the Héraultais were often at fault.
And, as against the Section, they received two yellow cards: Yacouba Camara (35th) and Enzo Forletta (40th) were thus sanctioned, one for a foul on the ground, the other for repeated fouls in scrum.
The red card inflicted on Australian superstar Kurtley Beale, for a tackle a little high on Arthur Vincent (63rd), came too late to change things.
The two Hérault trials, by Nico Janse van Rensburg (64th) and Cobus Reinach (74th), also.
The former Wallabies back will miss the quarter of the European Cup on Saturday in Clermont.
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It is THE black spot of an evening where everything went in the direction of the locals.
Laurent Travers had also warned: "Losing matches at home, we do not like that", had thus confided the Ile-de-France coach during the week, questioned about the largesse at home of his men last season ( three losses, one draw).
It has obviously been heard since the Ciel et Blanc have been solid and efficient, if not brilliant.
The other meeting of the day saw Antoine Hastoy (18 points including one try) put out an XXL performance, once again, to allow Pau to win in front of Agen (33-23) and to stick to the Basques of the Racingmen in the lead of the rank.
The second day continues on Saturday with the displacement of the ambitious Stade Rochelais on the ground of revenge Toulouse after having almost overthrown Clermont (33-30) despite two red cards.
Untouchable leader at the time of the frost of last season, the UBB is making its comeback, at home, in front of Brive, after being deprived of a match by the pandemic which hit the front row of the Stade français on the first day.
The Parisians, they go to Castres "with a delay", according to the second international line Yoann Maestri.
The last match of the Stade Français dates back to a defeat against Toulon (19-18) ... on March 1.
Almost an eternity.
Finally, Sunday, Toulon receives the LOU for a shock in red and black between two animals injured and beaten last week.
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Top 14 Ranking
