Everything had started so well for Stade Toulousain. Ultradominators on the synthetic turf of Racing 92, Ugo Mola’s men led 0-10 after 17 minutes. But they harvested too many chances (5 turn-overs), committed too many faults (17 penalties conceded) and were finally subdued by the Ile-de-France (27-18), led by the amazing scrum-half
Nolann Le Garrec, who, at barely 19, can already apply for the title of best Breton rugby player of all time.
# TOP14 – J9
It is now the@UBBrugby which makes reign terror and dread on the classification! 👻😱 The Girondins take first place 🥇 The @ racing92 take advantage of his victory to get back on the podium 🥉and the @RCTofficiel get out of the red zone 🚨 pic.twitter.com/odyp72xCKY– TOP 14 Rugby (@ top14rugby) October 31, 2021
Deprived of 11 internationals retained at Marcoussis (Fickou was absent from the Blue side Racing), the champions of France and Europe lowered the flag without even bringing back a defensive bonus point. “The absences change the physiognomy of the team, it is obvious, could not but note Laurent Thuéry, the coach of the stadist defense. But we don’t have to be ashamed. “
UBB, Toulouse and the others
This second defeat of the season is the business of Union Bordeaux-Bègles, victorious the day before with authority (and with bonus) from Clermont (25-9). At the end of this 9th day, UBB takes the reins of the championship with two points ahead of Toulouse. The duo still have a substantial lead over Racing 92, 3rd at seven lengths for the Rouge et Noir. The Gironde formation will show its leader status on Friday in La Rochelle, while Stade Toulousain will receive the promoted Perpignan on Saturday, before two weekends off due to an international break.