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The Toulouse champion continues his almost perfect start to the season
Manhandled as rarely, Stade Toulousain managed to get rid of the claws of Clermont to chain a fourth success in as many games, after its victories against Stade Rochelais, Rugby Club Toulonnais and Montpellier. If Romain Ntamack managed to register a try on the only opportunity of his family in the first period (20th), after an action of 80 meters, the reigning champions managed to gradually gain the ascendancy on the return changing rooms. Yet outnumbered after the yellow card received by Zach Homes just before the break (38th), after a high tackle on Marvin O'Connor, Ugo Mola's men take the lead on the scoreboard thanks to the banderilla in force of his flagship recruit, Anthony Jelonch (42nd).They then reduce to nothing the last hopes of Auvergne at the end of the match, with a try from Antoine Dupont (70th), following an 89 well executed with Selevasio Tolofua, and transformed by Thomas Ramos, author of a 100% at the foot (5/5, 12 points). Undisputed leader of the Top 14 (17 points), Stade Toulousain already has a 5-point lead in the standings over its runner-up, Racing 92.
The alignment of the Rouge et Noir upsets the ASM
This was one of the launching pads of the Haut-Garonnais success this Sunday evening. The Toulouse touch has largely gained the ascendancy over the Clermont roster, which lost precious ammunition in the opposing 22 meters, facing the saving cons of François Cros, Anthony Jelonch and Selevasio Tolofua. To better understand the domination of the Red and Black in this sector, just look at the figures: ASM lost no less than eight balls in touch throughout the match.
Damian Penaud, a successful breakdown
This was the main surprise offered by Jono Gibbes in the starting XV in Clermont. Relocated to the center, a first since December 2019, training winger Damian Penaud has perfectly met expectations. Comfortable on recovery balls as usual, the French international (24 caps) distinguished himself by an offering to Alivereti Raka for his family's first try (7th). Behind, Damian Penaud was close to registering a try after a kicking game for himself, which he did not go far from receiving in the in-goal (18th). Less prominent when returning from the locker room given the low number of ammunition provided by his partners, Damian Penaud still stood out with several defensive tackles,an area where it seems to have improved.
Flops
Badly paid, Clermont leaves Ernest-Wallon empty-handed
Jono Gibbes and his troops can harbor deep regrets after the copy delivered. Depriving Stade Toulousain of the balloons like few teams before it, ASM Clermont outrageously dominated the debates in the first act, however, failing to translate its supremacy on the scoreboard. Despite two tries at the end of the line signed Alivereti Raka (7th) and Marvin O'Connor (32nd), which was the first in his new colors after three years of absence in the Top 14, the Jaunards fished in the last gesture on several highlights near the opposing goal line and Camille Lopez let slip five points on the way at the foot. Leading 12-10 at the halfway point, Clermont gradually declined physically to finally bow with a heavy score of 27-15.Author of his best match since the start of the season, Clermont left the Toulouse area empty-handed. Striking contrast.
The Clermont bench did not weigh enough
After the first sparkling act delivered by its players, the Clermont staff have long believed they could afford an authentic feat to Ernest-Wallon.
Unfortunately for him, the contribution of the substitutes was not up to the event.
Finishers Fourcade, Falgoux, Amatosero, Cancoriet and Falatea suffered in scrum and on impact while JJ Hanrahan was penalized twice and lost two balls to the ground.