A big hit. In constant control, La Rochelle easily won at Matmut Atlantique ahead of Bordeaux-Bègles (6-36), Saturday evening on behalf of the 21st day of the Top 14. First methodical and patient, the Rochelais stifled the defense girondine before accelerating in the second half. As we approach the final stages, this is quite a tour de force once morest a direct competitor.
Irish style. Extremely pragmatic, La Rochelle stifled the UBB in a style that was the strength of the XV du Clover during the last Six Nations Tournament. Understand, with repeated charges, sharp runs and, above all, constant pressure on an opponent systematically on the back foot. For a long time, Bordeaux-Bègles braced itself. The Girondins delayed the inevitable for an hour (6-9 at the break), but left too many forces in this futile battle.
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Taking advantage of a blunt defense, the Rochelais finished the job by scoring three late tries, thereby giving themselves a deserved offensive bonus. Levani Botia (50th, 6-14) and Joel Sclavi (73rd, 6-29) materialized this overpower by flattening upwind, before Pierre Boudehent (77th, 6-36) completed this success with a major action. The Maritimes might have flown earlier, but a try by UJ Seuteni was canceled for an act of foul play by Will Skelton, sanctioned on this same action with a yellow card (15th).
Ulupano Sergeant
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Perfect operation for La Rochelle
Accounting, the operation is perfect for Rochelais who have relegated the Stade Français to 6 points, before the Ile-de-France derby tomorrow. But the players of Ronan O’Gara, even without some executives (including Jonathan Danty), released a serenity to make their competitors shudder. Because despite this relocation to Matmut Atlantique, winning in Bordeaux, where only Toulouse had narrowly won in September, is a feat.
Could it be otherwise once morest Bordeaux weaned from balls (40% possession), extremely undisciplined (16 penalties) and deprived of their master to play Matthieu Jalibert? Obviously, the two yellow cards received by Sipili Falatea (26th for high tackle) and Vadim Cobilas (54th for foul play) blunted the Bordeaux defense. UBB, still 5th, missed the opportunity to outrun their rivals and will have to fight to the end to play the finals.
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