In Mayol, as part of the 13th day of Top 14, the RCT found a smile again against Stade Rochelais (25-23). Esteban Abadie allowed his team to stop the bad spiral of the Rouge et Noir (six losses in the last seven matches). Ihaia West wasn’t having a great day for the Maritime side as he made his return to Mayol.
The Tops
Esteban Abadie
Released by the French team to play this match, the third wing line was brilliant. As usual, he shined on the sidelines. In the running game, he was decisive on the try scored by Ben White with an inspired relay in the opposing defense, and a pass after contact for Duncan Paia’aua. He is also the Var forward who has advanced the furthest (46 meters covered). He was perfect in defense (6 successful tackles out of 6 attempted). We almost forgot that it was his return match.
Louis Penverhne
The under-20 world champion celebrated his first start this season. He was largely up to standard, putting in a magnificent performance in the game and particularly in the closed scrum. He was perfect in defense (10 successful tackles). He has a bright future, and this performance will allow him to grow.
Melvyn Jaminet
Melvyn Jaminet achieved a 100% against the poles this Saturday evening.
It’s a funny match experienced by the international full-back. He can definitely do better in the running game, and even in his travel kick game. He suffered from the comparison with Brice Dulin, who was close to achieving several 50-22s. On the other hand, Toulon bought him to win matches. In his role as a scorer, he was cold as ice. Author of a 7/7 against the poles, he did not tremble when converting the last penalty, 45 meters away, against the posts to give victory to his team.
The Flops
Waisea Nayacalevu
We are still far from the brilliant center that enchanted the Top 14 under the colors of Stade Français Paris. He has missed almost everything again, and he seems physically damaged since his return to the World Cup. He gained a single meter in the opposing defense, and he can no longer play at the same pace as Duncan Paia’aua. However, last season, they formed a brilliant pair.
Ihaia West
Ihaia West was back in Toulon.
For his return to Mayol, he was not sparkling. He did not weigh in on the La Rochelle attack, which came with a fairly reduced game plan. He found a direct touch at the end of the match which cost his team dearly. In the hierarchy against Hastoy and Reus, the New Zealander did not score points.
Rémi Picquette
In the maritime cage, he did not forget the great Will Skelton. He used very little as a ball carrier around the rucks, while La Rochelle did not want to play on the wings. He was porous in defense with two successful tackles and two missed tackles. He was tackled sharply by Ribbans, and he was replaced as he struggled to regain his composure. A symbol of this meeting: it is a match to forget.