What regrets! Stade Français was expected in Castres for a test of character. Gonzalo Quesada’s players, irregular since the start of the season, indeed had a hard time facing Castres Olympique, unbeatable on their turf for 15 games. They responded present but, too unruly and messy, miss the victory in the last moments (15-9) and remain 9th in the standings, while the OC climbs on the podium. Frustrating.
What you must remember
The Parisians are well into the match like Burban, impeccable in defense for his 250th game with the Pink Soldiers, or Macalou very present in touch. But the first period will first of all be one of missed opportunities, the Castres then the Parisians being unable to materialize their highlights in the opposing 5m. In difficult conditions, with wind and light rain, the defenses took precedence over the attack. In this rather poor game where the kicks follow one another, the two teams return to the locker room on a sad 6-3, following the two penalties from Botica then Segonds at the start of the match, then a drop from Dumora before the break which gives the advantage to the Castres. The Parisians may regret not having taken the points on penalty at the half-hour mark.
The second half was unfortunately played at the same tempo. Taking advantage of the Parisian indiscipline, the Tarnais will succeed in widening a small gap thanks to the boot of Ben Botica (15-6, 56th). Despite their faults, the balls lost in touches or in scrum, the Parisians will have had the merit of never being completely unhooked and continued to believe in it. Carried by a good Joris Segonds, the Quesada players even found themselves in a position to win the match in the final minutes. But they let the victory ball drop in a final scrum 5 m from the Castres line.
The player: Joris Segonds
The Parisian opening half has once once more succeeded in all his penalties. In this closed match, Joris Segonds also used his foot a lot in the game. Long occupation kick, touches, clearances and even small kick to follow in the goal which almost ended in a try. Arrate. To his credit, too, a superb touch found in the Castres camp. Precious but insufficient for victory.
The number: 4
Tolu Latu received his 4th yellow card of the season. An indiscipline which is expensive and allowed Castres Olympique to widen the gap in the second half. The Australian hooker from Stade Français was penalized for a hand in the face of the Tarn pillar Chilachava. Useless and penalizing for Parisians, overall very (too) sanctioned (11 penalties).
The match sheet
Castres – Stade Français 15-9 (6-3)
Castres. 4 penalties (Botica 8th, 42nd, 48th, 56th). 1 drop (Dumora 39th). 1 yellow card (Kockott 80th).
French stadium. 3 penalties (Segonds 11th, 44th, 59th). 1 yellow card (Latu 55th).
Castres. Dumora – Laveau, Combezou, Botitu (Cocagi 72nd), Palis (Zeghdar 40th) – (o) Botica, (m) Fernandez (Kockott 50th) – Raisuqe, Ardron (Kornath 45th), Champion of Crespigny – Staniforth, Vanverberghe (Hanover 61st) ) – Hounkpatin (Chilachava 50th), Barlot (Ngauomo 61st), Walcker (De Beneditis 50th).
French stadium. Hamdaoui – Nayacalevu, Arrate, Laumape, Veainu – (o) Segonds, (m) Hall (Coville 72e) – Kremer, Macalou (Briatte 57e), Burban (Panis 57e-67e, Macalou 68e) – Van Der Mescht (Azagoh 50e) , Gabrillagues (De Giovanni 68th) – M. Alo-Emile (Kakovin 57th), Latu (Panis 70th), P. Alo-Emile (Melikidze 73rd).
