The Great Showdown: La Rochelle vs Stade Français
Ah, the grand spectacle of rugby, where men in shorts run around chasing an odd-shaped ball while evading being flattened by other equally large men. This past weekend, Stade Rochelais took on Stade Français, and oh boy, did we get a mix of fine champagne performances and slightly flat overcooked pasta ones. Let’s dive right in, shall we?
The Tops
- Matthias Haddad: 7.5/10
Our shining star of the match was none other than Matthias Haddad. This chap was everywhere! I mean, if you were playing hide and seek with him, you’d be in big trouble. With his seven tackles, he was as effective as a pair of socks on a cold winter’s night—absolutely essential! Not only did he defend like a lion protecting its cubs, but he also showcased his ball skills, breaking tackles like someone trying to escape a particularly unfunny dinner party. He’s definitely one to watch, and with Grégory Alldritt and Levani Botia out, Haddad stepped up like a true superhero. Cape or no cape, he was on fire!
Now, let’s talk about the Parisian flyhalf, Louis Carbonel. He had a first half that was nearly perfect, aside from that little hiccup with the drop goal—let’s just say his attempt was more ‘plop’ than ‘drop.’ However, he nailed five penalties like a seasoned concert pianist. The only issue? Much like my last Tinder date, he failed to follow through for the win, and his team left La Rochelle with about as much to show as a mime at a loud rock concert: absolutely nothing!
The Flops
- Tanginoa Halaifonua: 3.5/10
Now, stepping right into the land of the disappointing, let’s give a shout-out to Tanginoa Halaifonua, who had a day to forget. This ferocious warrior turned out to be more of a frosty snowman, getting penalized three times as if he was handing out tickets at a concert for bad behavior. He missed more tackles than a toddler missing a piñata—very undisciplined and not even close to his usual level. Talk about bringing a spoon to a knife fight!
- Francisco Gomez Kodela: 3.5/10
Moonlighting from ‘Superb’ to ‘Superb-ly Disappointing’, we have Francisco Gomez Kodela, who was trampled harder than my dreams of being a pop star. After impressing against Clermont, he was about as useful as a chocolate teapot against the La Rochelle scrum. Replaced in the 58th minute, Kodela’s match was short but certainly not sweet. A match to forget indeed.
Notes from La Rochelle
- 15. Brice Dulin: 5/10
- 14. Jack Nowell: 6.5/10
- 13. Teddy Thomas: 7/10
- 12. Jules Favre: 5/10
- 11. Dillyn Leyds: 4/10
- 10. Ihaia West: 5/10
- 9. Kerr-Barlow: 5/10
- 8. Matthias Haddad: 7.5/10
- 7. Ultan Dillane: 6/10
- 5. Will Skelton: 6/10
- 4. Kane Douglas: 4/10
- 3. Alexandre Kuntelia: 5.5/10
- 2. Third Day: 6/10
- 1. Alexandre Kaddouri: 5.5/10
Stade Français Notes
- 15. Joe Jonas: 4.5/10
- 14. Joe Marchant: 3.5/10
- 13. Jeremy Ward: 4.5/10
- 12. Julien Delbouis: 4.5/10
- 11. Samuel Ezeala: 5/10
- 10. Louis Carbonel: 7/10
- 9. Brad Weber: 4.5/10
- 7. Romain Briatte: 4/10
- 8. Yoan Tanga: 4/10
- 6. Tanginoa Halaifonua: 3.5/10
- 5. Juan John Van Der Mescht: 4/10
- 4. Paul Gabrillagues: 4/10
- 3. Francisco Gomez Kodela: 3.5/10
- 2. Lucas Peyresblanques: 4/10
- 1. Moses Alo-Emile: 4.5/10
And there you have it! A charming little jaunt through the highs and lows of rugby. As they say: may your highs be higher, your lows be lower, and may your next match be a tad less embarrassing than Halaifonua’s day!
Until next time, folks! Keep your tackles high and your spirits higher!
The Rochelais have built their improved success step by step thanks to the strength of their collective. Matthias Haddad stood out while Tanginoa Halaifonua was too undisciplined to make a difference in the match…
The Tops
- Matthias Haddad : 7,5/10
A month after his last match with Stade Rochelais, Matthias Haddad was everywhere against Stade français. Perfect in defense with seven tackles, the maritime flanker also shined with ball in hand with three broken tackles and an advance which benefited his teammates. Very available in the running game, the third row from La Rochelle has made a successful comeback. Good news for the Maritimes staff who will hope to count on Haddad in the absence of Grégory Alldritt or Levani Botia, in particular.
The Parisian flyhalf had an almost perfect first period. Because apart from his failed drop attempt, Louis Carbonel was impeccable against the poles with five penalties converted in five attempts. The opener of the capital validated each highlight of the Stade Français, within a choppy first act and without great flights on the side of the Pink Soldiers. In the running game, the former Montpellier player was clean, without being dazzling, but he knew how to push the Maritimes back into their camp with precision. A performance, however, insufficient to allow the Parisians to bring home a defensive bonus point from La Rochelle. On arrival, Louis Carbonel scored all the points for his team for a return to the capital with zero points…
The Flops
- Tanginoa Halaifonua : 3,5/10
One of the fiercest soldiers of the Stade Français was not having a great day in La Rochelle. Penalized three times, the Tongan was too undisciplined and was not as sharp as usual in defense, with two missed tackles. With his massive profile, Halaifonua also did not weigh in on the La Rochelle defense with too few protruding ball catches.
Top 14 – Tanginoa Halaifonua was often penalized against La Rochelle. Icon Sport – Eddy Lemaistre
- Francisco Gomez Kodela: 3.5/10
The weeks follow one another and are not the same for the Argentine pillar. So imperial against Clermont last week, Francisco Gomez Kodela this time suffered in a closed scrum against La Rochelle’s left axis. Replaced in the 58th minute by Hugo N’Diaye, the Parisian right-hander was in too much difficulty to turn things around against one of the most gargantuan packs in Europe. A match to forget for the former Bordeaux-Bègles player.
Notes from La Rochelle
- 15. Brice Dulin: 5/10
- 14. Jack Nowell : 6,5/10
- 13. Teddy Thomas : 7/10
- 12. Jules Favre : 5/10
- 11. Dillyn Leyds : 4/10
- 10. Ihaia West : 5/10
- 9. Kerr-Barlow distance : 5/10
- 7. Oscar Jegou : 6,5/10
- 8. Matthias Haddad : 7,5/10
- 7. Ultan Dillane: 6/10
- 5. Will Skelton : 6/10
- 4. Kane Douglas : 4/10
- 3. Alexandre Kuntelia : 5,5/10
- 2. Third Day : 6/10
- 1. Alexandre Kaddouri: 5.5/10
Stade français notes
- 15. Joe Jonas : 4,5/10
- 14. Joe Marchant : 3,5/10
- 13. Jeremy Ward : 4,5/10
- 12. Julien Delbouis: 4.5/10
- 11. Samuel Ezeala : 5/10
- 10. Louis Carbonel : 7/10
- 9. Brad Weber : 4,5/10
- 7. Romain Briatte : 4/10
- 8. Yoan Tanga : 4/10
- 6. Tanginoa Palu Halaifonua : 3,5/10
- 5. Juan John Van Der Mescht : 4/10
- 4. Paul Gabrillagues: 4/10
- 3. Francisco Gomez Kodela: 3.5/10
- 2. Lucas Peyresblanques : 4/10
- 1. Moses Alo-Emile : 4,5/10
The Rochelais showcased their collective strength once again, with Matthias Haddad shining brightly in the spotlight while Tanginoa Halaifonua struggled to make a mark due to his undisciplined play. The resilience of La Rochelle is commendable, and Haddad’s performance was a testament to the team’s depth, especially in the absence of stars like Grégory Alldritt and Levani Botia.
The Tops
- Matthias Haddad: 7.5/10
After a month off from the Stade Rochelais, Matthias Haddad was back and ready to prove his worth against Stade Français. The maritime flanker was defensively sound, completing seven tackles, and he also made his presence known on the attack, breaking through three tackles and effectively supporting his teammates. His energy and involvement in the running game highlighted a successful return, which is promising for the La Rochelle coaching staff given the absence of key players like Alldritt and Botia.
- Louis Carbonel: 7/10
Louis Carbonel had a near-flawless first half, with the only blemish being an unfortunate drop goal attempt that failed to find its mark. He impressively converted five penalties, demonstrating precision under pressure and contributing significantly to Stade Français’ efforts. Despite a solid performance, similar to a promising prospect that didn’t quite deliver, his team left La Rochelle empty-handed, unable to secure any points.
The Flops
- Tanginoa Halaifonua: 3.5/10
The usually robust Tanginoa Halaifonua faced a challenging match day, collecting three penalties against him and missing two tackles. His performance lacked the sharpness expected from a player of his caliber, making it difficult for him to make an impact on the game. With limited ball carries, Halaifonua’s contributions fell flat, and he was unable to impose himself on the La Rochelle defense.
- Francisco Gomez Kodela: 3.5/10
Francisco Gomez Kodela was another player who had a day to forget. After a decent show against Clermont, he found himself overwhelmed and struggled to hold his ground against the La Rochelle scrum. His short outing in the 58th minute felt underwhelming and added to Stade Français’ woes as they wrestled with their performance throughout the match.
Match Notes
- 15. Brice Dulin: 5/10
- 14. Jack Nowell: 6.5/10
- 13. Teddy Thomas: 7/10
- 12. Jules Favre: 5/10
- 11. Dillyn Leyds: 4/10
- 10. Ihaia West: 5/10
- 9. Kerr-Barlow: 5/10
- 8. Matthias Haddad: 7.5/10
- 7. Ultan Dillane: 6/10
- 5. Will Skelton: 6/10
- 4. Kane Douglas: 4/10
- 3. Alexandre Kuntelia: 5.5/10
- 2. Third Day: 6/10
- 1. Alexandre Kaddouri: 5.5/10
Stade Français Match Notes
- 15. Joe Jonas: 4.5/10
- 14. Joe Marchant: 3.5/10
- 13. Jeremy Ward: 4.5/10
- 12. Julien Delbouis: 4.5/10
- 11. Samuel Ezeala: 5/10
- 10. Louis Carbonel: 7/10
- 9. Brad Weber: 4.5/10
- 7. Romain Briatte: 4/10
- 8. Yoan Tanga: 4/10
- 6. Tanginoa Halaifonua: 3.5/10
- 5. Juan John Van Der Mescht: 4/10
- 4. Paul Gabrillagues: 4/10
- 3. Francisco Gomez Kodela: 3.5/10
- 2. Lucas Peyresblanques: 4/10
- 1. Moses Alo-Emile: 4.5/10
the match highlighted both the highs and lows of rugby, with the Rochelais continuing to build on their momentum, and the Stade Français reflecting on missed opportunities. Here’s hoping for better performances, more broken tackles, and fewer penalties in the next outing!
Until we meet again, keep enjoying the beautiful game, and may your performances be better than Halaifonua’s unforgettable day!
