The large victory obtained by La Rochelle against Toulouse (29-8) this Saturday was marked by the great performances of Paul Boudehent, Quentin Lespiaucq and Levani Botia. Conversely, Baptiste Germain and Ange Capuozzo did not perform as expected on the visitors’ side.
The tops
Placed at number 8 for the second time this season, the international recalled everything he could bring to this position: his ability to win balls with ball in hand was essential, over the course of his dozen charges. His strength also allowed him to snatch a ball from the hands of Joshua Brennan (36th) and undermine the opposing penetrating groups.
The flanker is more than a sure value for the maritime squad, which no longer needs to be proven: he was again valuable in the ground game, distinguished in defense and invested in the running game. He was rewarded with a try, listed as the center he was. His alter ego in the third line, the hyperactive Judicaël Cancoriet, also deserves mention.
The hooker is a valuable element of the maritime workforce. This Saturday, he was again precise in throwing and active in the running game: we saw him charge many times, tackle with all his might and also recover a few “hits” defensively speaking. In terms of contribution, his contribution to La Rochelle’s domination in scrum deserves to be noted.
Nathan Bollengier scored La Rochelle’s third try just before the break.
The young winger will long remember this December 30 which saw him score his first try in the Top 14 at home, four months after a first achievement in Montpellier. His interception on a predictable launch, just before the break, was one of the turning points of the game. We also saw him involved in defense and to his advantage in the aerial game. Hope is an interesting and new solution on the ground.
The flops
It’s an understatement to say that number 10 was not inspired this Saturday. Certainly little helped by a pack in difficulty, the opener multiplied the risky choices and procrastination. His pass intercepted just before half-time by Nathan Bollengier, after the siren in the first period, is symptomatic, as is his previous dismissal. His desire for the game and his enthusiasm cannot be questioned, however.
Dominant from start to finish, the Rochelais found their way to victory against Toulouse in great difficulty (29-8). Five points which do as much good for the heads as for the ranking, for the return of their captain!
The match film > https://t.co/WuiAUV588h pic.twitter.com/cVJQ4XXkAg
— RUGBYRAMA (@RugbyramaFR) December 30, 2023
Toulouse supporters had high expectations for Ange Capuozzo’s return to competition, almost two months after his last appearance in red and black, including a try against Perpignan. It is clear that the winger was not having a great day: he committed a forward attack on one of the rare attacking balls at his disposal, was dominated by Bollengier in the air (27th) and caught short by Dillyn Leyds in defense (51st) on La Rochelle’s fourth try. He was replaced immediately. A match to forget for the Italian international.
The left pillar was opposed to what is best in scrum in the Top 14, namely the Atonio-Skelton axis. Although we know he was generous in his efforts, Rodrigue Neti nonetheless had a difficult evening with three penalties against him. His commitment to the game will have been in vain.