7th Day of TOP 14: A Rugger-Riffic Showdown!
Well folks, when the double champion of 23-24 sashays into the Hamlet (no, not the place where Shakespeare’s moody prince roams), we know we’re in for a cracker of a match! It’s like pairing a fine Merlot with a plate of takeaway pizza—conflict and excitement in abundance! In front of a sold-out Hameau, Sébastien Piqueronies and his merry band of warriors put their best foot forward, but much like trying to wrestle a bear, they soon found that their opponents were a bit tougher than they bargained for.
The Toulouse team wasted no time at all, sprinting out of the gates quicker than a kid at a candy store. They led 10-0 after just 10 minutes—and not in a “let’s count our chickens” way, but more like “You better grab a ticket to this roller coaster, because we’re taking off!” The Palois had to put their running shoes on, as they found themselves consistently chasing points. It’s almost like trying to catch a train that left the station without you; heart-pounding, but ultimately a tad frustrating. Daniel Bibi-Biziwu threw a little hope into the mix with a try (21′ 7-10), while Joe Simmonds attempted to equalize with a penalty. Spoiler alert: his aim wasn’t as sharp as he’d hoped. Marchand then chimes in with Stade Toulousain‘s second try just before the break (34’ 7-15).
The battle on the ground resembled a scene from a particularly intense wrestling match—lots of grappling, shouting, and a few questionable moves that had the crowd gasping. Possession and territory were like hot cakes—snatched up by the visitors quicker than you could say “fortnight.” But hey, the Section showed they were not pushovers! Under siege, they defended with more grit than a kid stuck in the schoolyard during recess. Toulouse danced through the lines and brought in a third try (65′ 7-22), making it feel like a Netflix series with each episode leaving you wanting more—and also slightly disappointed.
The Béarnais fought valiantly. Daubagna secured a try (78′ 14-22) that stirred the hope pot again, but alas, it was too little, too late. In this sad tale, Toulouse snagged their first win at Hameau in three seasons, dropping the Section like a hot potato! The last time they tasted defeat at home was back in February. Talk about a homecoming with regrets! Thibaut Hamonou succinctly captured the sentiment post-match: “It’s a frustrating defeat. We didn’t stop fighting! We had a full stadium cheering us on, but the Toulouse team seemed to find their rhythm and play their game as if it was a Sunday stroll.”
Match Sheet
Final Score: 14-22; Halftime Score: 7-15
Section Scorers:
2 tries from Bibi-Biziwu (20′) and Daubagna (77′),
2 conversions from Simmonds (21′) and Daubagna (78′).
The Team: Maddocks – Luc (69′ Manu), Gailleton (cap), Manu (60′ Decron), Attissogbe (5′ Decron, 10′ Attissogbe) – (o) Simmonds, (m) Robson (55′ Daubagna) – Crédoz (68′ Auradou), Zegueur, Hamonou (52′ Tagitagivalu) – Capelli (52′ Picquette), Auradou (55′ Jolmes) – Zabala (40′ Williams), Delhommel (55′ Ruffenach), Bibi-Biziwu (40′ Seneca)
Toulouse Scorers:
3 tries from Willis (4′), Marchand (34′), and Cramont (64′),
2 conversions from Kinghorn (5′, 65′),
1 penalty from Kinghorn (10′).
The Team: Kinghorn (67′ Saito) – Capuozzo, Costes (53′ Delibes), Ahki, Lebel (65′ Bituniyata) – (o) Mallia, (m) Dupont – Willis, Roumat, Banos (55′ Brennan) – Flament, Arnold (51′ Meafou) – Aldegheri (51′ Merkler), Marchand (cap) (59′ Cramont), Neti (60′ Reilhes)
So what’s next in this gripping saga? The first phase of 9 matches will wrap up with a trip to Bordeaux next week, followed by a showdown at home against Racing 92 on November 2. Hold tight, folks—it’s sure to be a bumpy ride!
7th day of TOP 14
When the double Champion 23-24 presents himself at the Hamlet, we know that a tough match, even very tough, awaits the Section. In a sold-out Hameau, Sébastien Piqueronies’ men put up a good fight but faced people stronger than them.
Toulouse scores very quickly and leads 10-0 after 10 minutes of play. The Palois run behind the score and have difficulty holding the ball for long. The battle on the ground rages, the intensity is omnipresent. Daniel Bibi-Biziwu solidifies the Béarnaise revolt with a try (21 7-10), Joe Simmonds misses the equalizer penalty and Marchand plants Stade Toulousain’s second try just before the break (34′ 7-15).
Possession and occupation are largely in favor of visitors. Under pressure, the Section resisted and showed great defensive solidarity, repeatedly saving hot actions in front of its goal. The talent of Toulouse gives them a third try (65′ 7-22). The Béarnais are not giving up but Daubagna’s try (78′ 14-22) will not change the situation.
For the first time in three seasons, Stade Toulousain won at Hameau, the first defeat at home since last February in TOP 14. Leaving the Section with regrets but the feeling of having given everything to try to reverse the trend against an opponent stronger than her. “It’s a frustrating defeat. We lost in front of a full stadium, with the supporters behind us. They had too many balls to play quickly and put their game in place. We’re still proud of ourselves, we didn’t give up until the end but we lost against a team that was on top tonight. » recognized Thibaut Hamonou at the end of the match.
This first block of 9 matches will end with a trip to Bordeaux next week before hosting Racing 92 on November 2.
Match sheet
Score final : 14-22 ; score mi-temps : 7-15
Section : 2 tries from Bibi-Biziwu (20′) and Daubagna (77′), 2 conversions from Simmonds (21′) and Daubagna (78′)
The team: Maddocks – Luc (69′ Manu), Gailleton (cap), Manu (60′ Decron), Attissogbe (5′ Decron, 10′ Attissogbe) – (o) Simmonds, (m) Robson (55′ Daubagna) – Crédoz (68 ‘ Auradou), Zegueur, Hamonou (52′ Tagitagivalu) – Capelli (52′ Picquette), Auradou (55′ Jolmes) – Zabala (40′ Williams), Delhommel (55′ Ruffenach), Bibi-Biziwu (40’ Seneca)
Toulouse : 3 tries from Willis (4′), Marchand (34′) and Cramont (64′), 2 conversions from Kinghorn (5′, 65′), 1 penalty from Kinghorn (10′)
The team: Kinghorn (67′ Saito) – Capuozzo, Costes (53′ Delibes), Ahki, Lebel (65′ Bituniyata) – (o) Mallia, (m) Dupont – Willis, Roumat, Banos (55′ Brennan) – Flament, Arnold ( 51′ Meafou) – Aldegheri (51′ Merkler), Marchand (cap) (59′ Cramont), Neti (60′ Reilhes)
