The French teams entered a competition marked by many cases of COVIDs within clubs. The holder of the title, Toulouse dominated, Saturday, a decreased cardiff team.
by (with AFP)
It is a European rugby cup caught up by the health crisis and the fifth epidemic wave that started on this weekend. In this context, last year’s formula, with less meetings and a very tight calendar, has been renewed. Eight French clubs (Stade Toulousain, La Rochelle, Bordeaux-Begles, Racing 92, French Stadium, Clermont, Montpellier, Castres) Travele the continental competition this season.
Toulouse, en route To defend its title
Saturday, December 11, facing Cardiff, strongly decreased by the anti-Covid-19 quarantine that struck its workforce in recent days, Toulouse, holding the title, won with the bonus point (39-7).
The Welsh, with five players who made their first team debut, have sold their skin, but the Talent Toulouse and especially that of Antoine Dupont – just designated worldwide player – author of a test and The direct origin of three others, made the difference.
The Toulousain Ugo Mola Manager was satisfied with the entrance to his team: “We filled the contract, with the faults that sometimes are very talented, interesting things in terms of the game level and moments of weakness. We were a good part of the first period within reach of a cons, but we went out of the shelter. As always, with this European cup, everything is accelerated, everything is exacerbated . “
The union Bordeaux Bègles Tombs at home
It was a duel of leaders: on the lawn of Chaban-Delmas, Bordeaux, first of the Top 14, welcomed Leicester, leading the English championship. Dominated in the first period, the players trained by Christophe Urios knew how to stay in the match, with a trial of Jean-Baptiste Dubié, just before the break.
The second period has been a matter of penalties. At this game, George Ford, Leicester’s English opener scored the three points of the victory, five minutes from the end of the match (16-13). A bad deal for the Bordeaux on their lands, in a European cup where only four games are played during the chicken phase.
The racing is finally waking up
After three defeats of rank in the championship, the racing 92 feasted on the lawn of Northampton, Friday, December 10th. In this wide victory (45-14), the Scottish Finn Russell shone: the magician found, author of four “decisive passes” – on the double of Juan Imhoff (23rd, 37th) and two of the three tests of Wenceslas Lauret ( 8th, 42E) – has made the hell live to the saints.
“We made a good performance but it’s just a game, there are still three left to qualify. Since the beginning of the season, it’s a bit our match. Our most successful match , we made a nice part in defense, in attack, conquest … “said Gaël Fickou after the good provision of the Francilians.