Last dance for Alun Wyn Jones, Montpellier last in Top 14. Frederic Chambert / Panoramic / Frédéric Chambert / Valentina Claret / Panoramic / Valentina Claret
In a suspense multiplex, Toulon got the better of Clermont while Montpellier lost again. Oyonnax inflicted a slap on LOU, and Bayonne stopped the Pau series.
TOPS
Alun Wyn Jone bows out
Even if Toulon had lost to Clermont, this great man of rugby would have been among the tops. But this (very) big match, with victory over the RCT in Auvergne (27-30), spoiled nothing of Alun Wyn Jones’ farewell to the rugby fields. Author of a great performance for his last, the legendary second row started his match with a chistera after contact and finished it with twelve tackles on the clock. In 172 caps with the Leek XV (international record), he won three Grand Slams and played in four World Cups. He obviously received a standing ovation from the Marcel-Michelin stadium upon his exit.
Toulon king of suspense in Clermont
This match not only saw the end of the career of a legend of the sport. The Marcel-Michelin stadium was also the setting for an exceptional rugby match. Throughout the match, the formations of Urios and Mignoni engaged in a back-and-forth battle which left a breathless suspense alive until the end of the match. The RCT regained the advantage in the 79th minute thanks to a brilliant foot p from Serin to Wainiqolo. After the siren, the Jaunards went back 80 meters but, despite the unconditional support of the Auvergne supporters and the number of countless charges from Raka, they never managed to regain the lead. A final advance brought joy to the Rouge et Noir, who continue their march forward after a success against racing last week.
Oyonnax invincible on his lands
Once again this season, Oyonnax defeated a supposedly stronger team at home. After La Rochelle and Toulouse, it was LOU who suffered the Oyomen law (38-20) at the Charles-Mathon stadium. The Black and Red, helped by Millet’s double and Miotti’s success at the foot, had a thunderous first period. They also finished the match strongly, taking the bonus point at the same time thanks to a try from Bettencourt just before the siren.
FLOPS
Montpellier in depression
A year and a half ago, Montpellier lifted the Brennus shield after having disposed of Castres in the Top 14 final. Today, the Hérault club is last in the Top 14 ranking, with a terrible series of six defeats in a row. In the match of fear against Perpignan, now fifteenth in the championship, the Montpellier residents started the game well thanks to a try from Tisseron (16th). But in front of a white-hot Catalan crowd, Usap scored two tries, including one in the last ten minutes of the game (23-16). A new defeat means last place in the standings, and which risks hurting the heads of Montpellier.
The Rowing Section faces Rowing
This match was a trap for the Palois. Going to challenge Aviron Bayonnais, undefeated at home, on home soil is never easy. And the teammates of Emilien Gailleton, top scorer in the last edition of Top 14, saw their great series of five consecutive victories come to an end (35-16). Camille Lopez, master of the place, led his team to victory thanks to twelve points on the foot. Rowing even takes the offensive bonus, thanks to its four attempts scored. Pau, for its part, remains on the podium, in third place.