Tops
West belies his reputation
The opener Isaiah West sent a nice snub to all his detractors.
Mocked for his failures in the two finals against Stade Toulouse in the Top 14 and in the European Cup last year, the New Zealander had still missed two penalties in the win at Castres on January 2.
This time, motivated by his compatriot Vito, he did not tremble 25 meters from the poles, slightly off-center on the right, to crucify the dolphin of the Top 14. And to offer himself a big bowl of confidence for the weeks future.
The first of three rounds for La Rochelle
La Rochelle-UBB: 1-0.
The Maritimes hit hard by winning Saturday night, when they have to cross swords three times with the Bordelais in as many weeks.
This weekend, the match was in the Top 14 while the next two will be in the Round of 16 home and away in the Champions Cup.
Still, the teammates of Romain Sazy, who celebrated his 300th in the jersey of Stade Rochelais this evening, line up a fourth success in five games after experiencing failures at the start of the year (three defeats in a row).
La Rochelle takes advantage of Lyon's faux pas
The objective of the Rochelais was clear: to mark their territory within the framework of the triptych to come, and above all to capitalize on the unexpected failure of Lyon this afternoon.
Defeated 43-10 by Toulon on their own lawn, the Lyonnais marked time at the worst moment, and were beaten for the third time in a row.
The victory obtained by the vice-champions of France allows them to find the podium, with an unexpected third place in view of the start of the season.
Unfailing Rochelais realism
During a padlocked, high-intensity match, Ronan O'Gara's men showed a different face from last week when they crushed Racing 92 (19-0).
Deprived of the ball, they were united in defense and were little penalized in the second period despite repeated attacks from the locals.
They posted a percentage of 93% success in their tackles (200/214).
A real finals match.
flops
The UBB does not succeed in the face of its pet peeve
The Union Bordeaux-Bègles knows its pet peeve: defeated in its last three confrontations, the UBB conceded a fourth consecutive defeat against the Rochelais.
Out losing 20-6 at Marcel-Deflandre in November 2020, 11-26 at Chaban in March 2021 and 26-3 this season at La Rochelle, Christophe Urios and his men will have to find solutions for the weeks to come: they will find their opponents from next week, in the same place as part of the European Cup.
UBB relapses
His second place was not threatened before the start of this 22nd day of Top 14. However, Bordeaux-Bègles had finally managed to stop their series of five defeats in a row last week, winning with the manner of Jean- Bouin against Stade Français Paris (18-31).
This time, the lack of inventiveness in the back lines was felt.
Only Cordero brought danger with his liveliness.
Seuteni, who came out a few minutes after coming on, and especially Jalibert, whose return from injury is expected in two weeks, missed in the back lines.
