Top 14: Toulon misses the mark on the lawn of Pau

Pau and Toulon, in search of points to move away from the red zone, could not decide (16-16) at the end of a draft match played in continuous rain on Saturday at the Hameau on behalf of the 12th day of the Top 14. This draw, rather logical with regard to the scenario and the festival of forward which punctuated the first act in particular, does not suit anybody but satisfies everyone, especially after the setbacks earlier in the day of their competitors for maintenance, Biarritz, Perpignan and Brive.

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Read also Top 14 Multiplex Tops / Flops: Beheregaray sees triple, Racing still disappoints

For the RCT, hardly to its advantage so far this season away, we can almost speak of the Frank Azema effect because his men were still leading the proceedings five minutes from time following a devastating balloon converted into a try by Nakarawa (9-13, 52nd).

But the Section gave everything at the end, especially its pack which made the Varois suffer martyrdom, reduced to 13 in the money-time - yellow card for Nakarawa and Setiano - and who conceded the attempt to equalize at the powerful Gorgadze after a succession of scrums at 5 meters (78).

Soap balloon

Before this final, Palois and Toulonnais had a hard time controlling the soap balloon, hence their choice of kicking to gain ground and put the opponent in difficulty.

The rare penalties conceded timidly changed the score (6-6, 36) that Nakarawa almost made fruit following a cons but he committed yet another forward in contact near the Béarn line (40).

It was only a postponement for the Fijian who, after massive coaching from Azéma in front, rewarded his family, before a successful penalty from Carbonel following a new winning scrum widening a larger gap (9-16, 66) .

Unfortunately for the visitors, suddenly more unruly, Pau reacted as needed to snatch two precious points.