Toulon-Stade Français: Imperial Serin, Alo-Emile guilty

Tops

Masterful Baptiste Serin

A timely return. Retained by the Blues last week against ASM Clermont, Baptiste Serin left his mark on the success of Rugby Club Toulonnais. His magnificent interval shot at the exit of a ruck and his breakthrough over about thirty meters brought the first try of his team concluded by Duncan Paia’aua (13^e). Always fair in his decision-making, the Var captain could have offered a second try to his center after seeing a hole in the Parisian defense but his teammate committed a forward (29^e). In the second period, the number nine continued his high-flying performance by giving rhythm to the game of his people, putting the Parisian defense at fault several times. Touched after an illicit clearance by Marcos Kremer (67^e), he came out to the ovations of the Mayol stadium a few minutes later, replaced by Benoît Paillaugue.

The three quarters of Toulon finally at the rendezvous

Often disappointing this season, the Toulon backs clearly stood out on Saturday evening against Stade Français. If Duncan Paia’aua scored the first try (13^e) ideally served at height by Waisea Nayacalevu, Cheslin Kolbe imitated him a few minutes later by countering an approximate pass from Paul Alo-Emile with his foot to flatten in the in-goal (24^e).The winger could have afforded a double (70^e) but Peniasi Dakuwaqa prevented it to voluntarily push the offering at the foot of Thomas Salles in the dead zone. To receive a logical yellow card while Ludovic Cayre at the same time granted a penalty try to the RCT. Jiuta Wainiqolo also wreaked havoc on the Parisian defense, notably with a mad dash of 60 meters at the start of the second act, after having revived from 22 meters. For his part, the back Thomas Salles was imperial in his role as scorer (7/7, 17 points).

Winner of the Dominici trophy, the RCT is back in the race for six

Already winners of the first leg, after having inflicted on the Parisians their only defeat to Jean-Bouin of the season, the Toulonnais have returned to keep the Dominici trophy, in tribute to the legendary winger who played in both clubs and who died tragically in 2020. With an offensive festival, the men of the Azéma / Mignoni tandem offered themselves their second improved success of the season. This unchallenged victory allows the RCT to return to the 7^e place (48 points), just two points behind Aviron Bayonnais, the last provisional qualifier. A good omen before the final sprint.

flops

Paul Alo-Emile, a faulty hand that is expensive

The Parisian pillar and vice-captain reminded connoisseurs of the oval that the primary function of his position did not lie in the quality of the pass. Trying to find his three quarters on a turnover, Paul Alo-Emile took them from behind with a jump pass, quickly sanctioned by Cheslin Kolbe who, by countering the ball at his foot, scored the second Var try. A stab for the Parisians which allowed the RCT to take the break. Penalized twice for a fault on the ground and an offside position, Paul Alo-Emile gave way to Vincent Koch at the end of the first act, under the dark gaze of Gonzalo Quesada. Before returning in the second act.

Apathetic Parisians as rarely this season

No try, the heaviest defeat since the start of the season and an evening to forget for Stade Français. Swept away by the fury of Toulon, the pink soldiers returned “fanny” to the capital and gave up their place as the runners-up of the Stade Toulousain to the Rochelais, winners in the afternoon of the Section Paloise (32-36). Benefiting from the indiscipline of their opponents at the start of the match, the Parisians took the lead (6-0, 5^e), before collapsing and lacking realism on their few highlights in the opposing 22 meters. At the 19^e minute, Joris Segonds allowed his partners to regain the advantage (7-9)… for what will be the last points for Stade Français in this meeting. Dominated in all sectors, the players of the capital suffer a setback in their high-flying season, which makes them a more than legitimate candidate for the final stages.

Facundo Isa too individualistic

It is undoubtedly the only Toulonnais to have gone through this evening. With several fallen balls and sequences where he isolated himself from his supporters while trying to rush alone into the Parisian defense, Facundo Isa was uncomfortable on the lawn of Mayol. Guilty of having voluntarily collapsed an opposing maul in front of his line, he received a yellow card (58^e) and left his people outnumbered. A warning without consequence for the Varois but which could have been expensive.