It is a European Rugby Cup caught up by the health crisis and the fifth epidemic wave which began this weekend. In this context, the formula of last year, with fewer meetings and a very tight schedule, has been renewed. Eight French clubs (Stade Toulouse, La Rochelle, Bordeaux-Bègles, Racing 92, Stade Français, Clermont, Montpellier, Castres) are playing in the continental competition this season.
Toulouse, on the way to defend its title
Saturday, December 11, against Cardiff, greatly reduced by the anti-Covid-19 quarantine which has hit its workforce in recent days, Toulouse, the defending champion, won with the bonus point (39-7).
The Welsh, with five players who made their debut in the first team, sold their skin dearly, but the Toulouse talent and in particular that of Antoine Dupont – just named best player in the world -, author of a test and originally direct from three others, made the difference.
Toulouse manager Ugo Mola was satisfied with his team’s entry into the running: “We fulfilled the contract, with flashes that are sometimes very talented, interesting things in terms of the level of play and moments of weakness. We were a good part of the first period within reach of a block, but we took cover then. As always, with this European Cup, everything is accelerated, everything is exacerbated. ”
Union Bordeaux Bègles falls at home
It was a duel of leaders: on the lawn of Chaban-Delmas, Bordeaux, first of the Top 14, welcomed Leicester, at the head of the English championship. Dominated in the first period, the players coached by Christophe Urios were able to stay in the match, with a try from Jean-Baptiste Dubié, just before the break.
The second period was a matter of penalties. In this game, George Ford, the English opener from Leicester scored three points for victory, five minutes from the end of the match (16-13). A bad deal for the Bordelais on their land, in a European Cup where only four games are played during the group stage.
Racing is finally waking up
After three defeats in a row in the league, Racing 92 enjoyed themselves on the lawn of Northampton on Friday 10 December. In this large victory (45-14), the Scottish Finn Russell shone: the magician found, author of four ” assists “ – on the double of Juan Imhoff (23rd, 37th) and two of the three tests of Wenceslas Lauret (8th, 42nd) – brought hell to the Saints.
“We had a good performance but it’s only one game, there are still three left to qualify. Since the start of the season, it’s been our benchmark match. Our most successful match, we played a good game in defense, attack, conquest … ” underlined Gaël Fickou after the good performance of the Ile-de-France residents.