In a Swansea.com Stadium hit behind closed doors, Racing 92 missed the opportunity to make the match easy from the start but they recovered in the second half and found the resources to complete a large victory over the province Welsh (25-10).
The best French representative on the continental scene, Racing 92 now has three wins in three games, two of which were bonuses against Northampton (45-14) and the Ospreys on green carpet (28-0).
With a little more desire and/or rigor, a new offensive bonus was reaching out to them this Saturday.
But the fact remains that Racing will play a round of 16 and should receive for the return match.
While the Ile-de-France residents took the lead thanks to a penalty from Machenaud (0-3, 7th) and found themselves 15 against 14 following a Welsh yellow card (Cuthbert, 7th), they failed to materialize their dominance in the first 20 minutes, while occupation and possession were in their favour.
Sometimes badly inspired in their options, sometimes clumsy with their hands, the Sky and White, for once in becoming fuchsia jerseys, let themselves live a little.
They took it badly… Once at 15 again, the Ospreys, for their first real foray into the French camp, went on a trial, the forwards progressing thanks to repeated playing times to a pass, all concluded by Keiran Williams (7-3, 21st).
Teddy Thomas twirling, Gaël Fickou impeccable
Distanced 10-3, the Ile-de-France residents reacted opportunely, thanks to Teddy Thomas, twirling this Saturday.
Like a footballer, the latter managed a great bridge on his vis-à-vis and, on his wing, drove the ball into the opposing in-goal with two expert touches of the ball, leaving Juan Imhoff the care of flattening his 32nd try in 53 European Cup matches (10-8, 34th).
In the second period, the players of Laurent Travers again benefited from a Welsh yellow card (Griffiths, 51st) and this time took advantage of it.
Continuing the progress of the Racing forwards, Machenaud served Fickou whose little low kick in the middle unfortunately went too fast for Vakatawa to flatten him within the limits of the field (54th).
Incredible 🔥
The @racing92 took advantage of a foul by the Ospreys on a touch, Fickou fakes the pass and offers the ball to Vakatawa who flattens 👏
Follow the match live on @beinsports_FR 📺 pic.twitter.com/TFgnUhLD0Y
— Champions Cup France (@ChampionsCup_FR) January 15, 2022
Shortly after, the light finally comes from the international centers of Racing.
On a loose ball left by the Ospreys on the center line, Fickou breaks through, escapes and, with a cross pass, sends Vakatawa between the posts (10-15, 58th).
This second try has the effect of stimulating the offensive creativity of the Ile-de-France residents, which has been a little off in recent games, and inhibiting Welsh inclinations.
Soon, after a raid from Gomes Sa, Fickou, impeccable captain this Saturday, sent a long skipped pass to Thomas on the right wing.
This plays with his vis-à-vis and allows Racing to break (10-25, 72nd).
Mass was behind schedule but was said.
