To Jean-Bouin
FAVORITES
Stade Français resists everything
During almost the entire meeting, Paris was trailing. Dominated, crushed, shaken in the first period, the Parisians turned the tables. A leader's character. Because this Stade Français gives the impression of no longer knowing how to lose. Even if Parisian center Julien Delbouis brushed aside this idea in a post-match press conference.
“We can't say that... In previous years, it was complicated when we were behind. We have a strong group, who get along very well but we have the capacity to annoy everyone
. ”
The best defense in the championship also silenced some critics by scoring four tries. Perhaps not the most constructed and exciting, but in any case the most effective.
The impressive first Bayonne period
Victory is not there for the Basques. Certainly. But the first period is undoubtedly the most successful of the season. Despite the waste in the scrum and in touch, everything succeeded for Grégory Patat's players. Three tries, from Tiberghien (07th, 28th) and Mori (40th). Offensives galore, whirling three-quarters like Carreras, Tiberghien, Megdoud or Erbinartegaray... The Bayonnais logically led at the break, by 17 points (7-24). Another try from full-back Tiberghien had been refused for a forward from Lopez beforehand. Bayonne was able to show a good face in the first period and will be able to build on that for this end of the season which promises to be tense.
Completely blocked
The international full-back returned timidly to his match. Often isolated on his restarts, he committed a forward after a disagreement on a candle (15th). But above all he held the house, his long kicks pushing back the Bayonne defense. At the end of the game, Léo Barré showed his talent and his class to allow his team to win. On a recovery ball, the French full-back crosses, accelerates with his large compasses, feints and collapses a few meters from the Bayonne goal. Without going too far, Barré ensured conservation and some time later, Paris was liberated. A strong man of the Parisian season, the Versailles player never ceases to amaze with his maturity.
CLAW STRIKES
Bayonne still can't do it
So far, the Bayonnais remain impregnable in their Jean-Dauger arena. But outside, Grégory Patat's men cannot do it. So close, so far... The Basques have never been able to find the path to victory away from home this season in the Top 14. And this Saturday, they have never been so close to winning. The second half looked like a nightmare for the Blue and White. Bosch and Mikautadze each received a yellow card, three tries were conceded and the last balls were not well managed. There is still some missing. Except that with five days to go, Camille Lopez's teammates are not yet saved and are still chasing a first away victory.
Paris, first 40 minutes in hell
The 18,529 spectators at the Jean-Bouin stadium undoubtedly reminded the visitors of the day of the Bayonne Festival, whereas the locals are not often used to it. And it showed. The first Parisian period should be forgotten or kept in the back of your mind so as to never repeat it again. Even the defense, so impressive this season, was pierced several times. The statistics are clear, possession was clearly Bayonne during the first 40 minutes (65%). Faced with this slump, the coaches of the capital club carried out surprising coaching at the half-hour mark to try to wake up their squad. Exit Macalou, Abramishvili or even Halaifonua. And even Ivaldi's try in the 35th did not lead to a revolt. The executives such as Weber, Etien and Marchant did not weigh in. Committed more than ever to the race for the title, the Parisians will no longer have the right to achieve this kind of performance. Because it won't always happen...
One last controversial ruck
“I told him it was scandalous not to check, not to come back to it. It is not possible. They don't realize the issues behind it. It’s frustrating in a last action like that where, for us, there is a fault,”
railed Bayonne opener Camille Lopez at the end of the game. With just a few seconds left, the Bayonnais seemed to lack control. In the confusion, a ball was scratched by Macalou and, after some time of play, resulted in a try to win. The Basques, for their part, are demanding video arbitration from Mr. Nuchy, the referee of the match, who discusses with his video referee. Ultimately, the images will not be reviewed. And when we look at the action, the fault seems obvious. Thomas Ceyte, first support, is prevented from helping his teammate in possession of the ball. The latter has not yet gone to the ground when Ceyte is taken out by a Parisian. Obvious foul but not in the eyes of the referees. A decision which raises questions and which leaves a (very) bitter taste in Bayonnais. A questionable decision, certainly, but which does not only depend on this action.