Toulouse opener Romain Ntamack will not find La Rochelle at the Stade de France, after the success against the same team in the Champions Cup final on May 22 at Twickenham. – Andrew Fosker / BPI / Shutterstock / Sipa
Since Tuesday, we know that the Top 14 final between Stade Toulousain and La Rochelle will take place in front of 14,000 spectators at the Stade de France. And she will argue Friday without Romain Ntamack. The international opening half of the Rouge et Noir was concussed on Saturday in the semifinals, after a tackle from the center of the Union Bordeaux-Bègles UJ Seuteni, sent off for this gesture.
“His package is recorded,” confirmed defense coach Laurent Thuéry on Tuesday at a press conference. Out on a stretcher, the young 22-year-old opener had returned to the pitch to celebrate with his colleagues the qualification of his team, but had himself admitted having suffered a knockout.
Four possibilities, one big favorite
Who will replace him ? “Five players have evolved to the position of 10 this season, we are evaluating all the possibilities, we will see which is the best option”, continued Thuéry, citing Thomas Ramos, Zack Holmes, Cheslin Kolbe and Antoine Dupont.
Ramos, usual rear but aligned at the opening during the final of the Top 14 2019, won against Clermont (24-18), however largely holds the rope. “Thomas is a very serious option in this position, he is precious in penalties,” agreed the technician, before releasing a classic. “But there are others…” With Ramos moved to number 10, Maxime Médard would start in 15.