The game: 39-36
The matches at La Défense Arena are often very spectacular. The one between Racing and La Rochelle for the 16th day of Top 14 was no exception to the rule. This poster between two champions of the Championship started with a bang: after two penalties from Finn Russell, Jules Favre lit the first fuse of this meeting, getting rid of the tackle from Sanconnie to flatten in the middle of the posts (6-7, 9th). Then La Rochelle made a first break with a new try five minutes later by Rémi Picquette in power (6-14, 14th).
After two new penalties signed Hastoy and Russell, Donovan Taofifenua crossed the line thanks to a light defense of the three maritime quarters (16-17, 23rd). The Hastoy festival then started (see below): a loss of ball from the Racingmen in the middle of the field, it was enough for the international opening half to bring the score back to 16-25 then 16-28 a few minutes later. We thought that the task would be difficult for Ciel et Blanc who had conceded almost 30 points in one half.
But that was not the case, Olivier Klemenczak twice (43rd and 71st) and the inevitable Finn Russell allowed Laurent Travers’ men to believe in it and even to pass in front less than ten minutes from the end (36- 31, 71st). But this crazy match could not stop there. Antoine Hastoy, again, put into orbit by Brice Dulin, was responsible for bringing the Rochelais tied (36-36, 73rd). The continuation and the epilogue of this match, it is the right foot of Finn Russell (author of 22 points) who gave it by sending the ball between the poles (39-36, 81st).
If La Rochelle may regret the tests given to its opponent, it can also console itself with a defensive bonus point carried in its luggage, a point which allows it to maintain its third place. But with this victory snatched after regulation time, Racing is tied with its evening opponents, seven points behind the Toulouse leader.
12
La Rochelle conceded 12 penalties against Racing, too many to overcome. The last whistled by Ben O’Keeffe following a scrum foul, gave the match point to Finn Russell who did not shake.
The duel: Antoine Hastoy against Finn Russell
The opening half from La Rochelle delivered a full performance on the synthetic turf of La Défense Arena. He took full advantage of Ile-de-France faults to pile up the points and put his own on the right track. At the break, the former Palois had already scored 18 of the 28 points for the Maritimes, including a 50m solo test (28th). He was also very fair in the animation, like a real conductor. If he was less visible in the second half, he made no mistake and it was still he who scored crosses the line less than ten minutes from time to put his people tied (73rd).
Despite the defeat at La Rochelle, he allowed his team to believe in victory for a long time. Author of a 6/8 at the foot and two tries, he scored 26 of the 36 points of the Rochelais. He also gained 132 meters ball in hand. A good omen before joining the XV of France to prepare for the first match of the Six Nations against Italy. But facing him, Hastoy found someone to talk to in the person of Scottish Racing playmaker Finn Russell. Also always just in the animation, he scored the winning penalty for the men of Laurent Travers.
Before joining Bath next season, Russell still has things to show in the top 14 and this match is proof of that. Racing’s X factor had fun against La Rochelle and never lost his signature smile when he put on a show. Author of 22 points, it was also he who sent a nice jump pass on Olivier Klemenczak’s second try (70th).