Tops
First victory of the season for ASM
The tension was present, the match announced as a first turning point in the event of defeats… After two initial defeats, including one at home against Castres, the Clermontois returned to victory at the end of a balanced match (23-22), where they will have made the difference thanks to their discipline and efficiency.
They go up to 9th place, while La Rochelle stagnates in 12th.
LiveClermont tames La Rochelle and smiles again
Two playful teams despite the weather conditions
Torrential rain, gusts of wind… To say that the conditions of the match were “complicated” is a no-brainer.
However, the two teams did not use the kicking game as is usual.
They have multiplied initiatives with the ball in hand, however rarely crossing the opposing front curtain.
The fault, on several occasions, with a particularly capricious slippery ball.
Clermont-La Rochelle THIERRY ZOCCOLAN / AFP
Camille Lopez, five-star score
In a meeting where he was particularly requested, he was never rushed despite the pressure of opposing defenders and more particularly that of Levani Botia. Author of 13 points, he was inspired in the current game. It is on a movement that he initiates that Tani Vili takes an interval and scores the second try for his team. At 32, he is still essential to Clermontois.
Jono Gibbes wins over Ronan O'Gara
He might well shake his head late in the game, unhappy with the choice of his men to try a raise after the siren, Jono Gibbes can be satisfied to have kept the best over Ronan O ' Gara.
Former manager of the La Rochelle team, he had two Champions Cup finals and then the Top 14, while the Irishman was the head coach.
The two technicians were not known to be close, and a certain form of rivalry surrounded this meeting.
Clermont-La Rochelle THIERRY ZOCCOLAN / AFP
Flops
Three falls for the Maritimes
There is still no alert among the Charentais.
But on the evening of the third day, the Rochelais could find themselves red lantern!
Currently 12th, they could see Toulon and the Stade Français pass in front if the Parisians win tomorrow night.
An astonishing rank for the men of Ronan O'Gara, yet vice-champion of France and Europe.
Clermont-La Rochelle THIERRY ZOCCOLAN / AFP
The blatant errors of the Rochelais
If the debates were balanced throughout the game, the Rochelais had, in the middle of the second period, several opportunities to take the lead.
Alas, they made surprising mistakes: misguided throws, hasty choices and crippling indiscipline.