The shock turned out to be confused and sad.
Racing lost (9-6) in La Rochelle, leader of the championship, this Sunday evening during a match postponed from the 3rd day - the Ile-de-France team was at the time riddled with positive cases of Covid-19 - which has not kept all its promises.
Far from there.
At the end of this boring part, the Ile-de-France residents bowed and missed an opportunity to take the lead of the Top 14.
What you must remember
A draft to begin with.
Between Rochelais, leaders of the Top 14, who sought to preserve an invincibility dating from March 24, 2019 (19-23 against Stade Toulouse), and Racing 92, the strongest formation of the promotion away (3 wins) and candidate for the first place, the tussle was severe.
But particularly disjointed.
The Ciel et Blancs, without their internationals, seemed to lack a bond.
The very young scrum half Le Garrec (18 years old) associated with the experienced opener Trinh-Duc (34 years old) experienced many difficulties to start the game of a confused Racing.
The Maritimes, for their part, were far from the beautiful flights that made them top of the class.
At half-time, the scoreboard is evocative: 3-3.
An old-fashioned score.
In the second half, no improvement came to light up the ocean night.
Three penalties from West (11th, 58th, 63rd) therefore responded to two successes from Trinh-Duc (6th) and Iribaren (66th).
Skinny.
The player
Teddy Iribaren (Racing 92)
Entered at the start of the second half to replace Nolann Le Garrec, Teddy Iribaren found the sky and white jersey after long weeks spent treating injuries to a thigh and morale, both contracted during the lost final of the Cup Europe against Exeter (31-27) on October 17.
The scrum-half was active and rather punchy, but he failed to lead his team to success.
The number
3
Despite its defeat at La Rochelle, Racing 92 remains the best team outside its bases.
The Ciel et Blanc won in Lyon (27-23), Stade Français (27-25) and Brive (23-19).
This time, the Ile-de-France residents are content with a defensive bonus and are 6th in the standings.
The phrase
"Everyone must have bothered in front of their TV", by Brice Dulin, rear of La Rochelle, from Racing 92, who is preparing to join the Blues in Marcoussis (Essonne).
