Castres fell arms in hand against Harlequins (20-18), defending English champions, to whom the Tarn club offered great resistance to the end, Sunday at the end of the 1st day of the Coupe d ‘Rugby Europe.
“Honor”
The Castres coach Pierre-Henry Broncan had assured in the week wanting to “do honor” to the European Cup, which the CO found after two seasons of absence, and his men made him keep his word. Several executives were left to rest for the launch of this continental campaign, among which the international hooker Gaëtan Barlot, the right pillar Wilfrid Hounkpatin, the second line Florent Vanverberghe or the Fijian center Vilimoni Botitu. Broncan, who knows English rugby well for having officiated in the staff of Bath, has all the same aligned an experienced hinge -Rory Kockott and Benjamin Urdapilleta – to compete with that of Harlequins, undoubtedly one of the best of Premiership with Danny Care and Marcus Smith.
Castres, after having rounded back defensively, scored the first try by Fijian third line Josaia Raisuqe, relaying his compatriot Filipo Nakosi, author of an inspired raise. The Harlequins, in their hand, then gradually took the upper hand. Thanks first of all to a corner try from winger Louis Lynagh, after a nice volley pass from Care. Then another, from the third row Alex Dombrandt, who pierced the Tarn defense after a touch. Martin Laveau, who started in the center behind a maul, gave the Tarn people hope at the end of the match. But a contentious decision by the referee on the last action will leave them with a lot of regrets. With this home defeat, the CO’s European campaign, despite the defensive bonus, has already taken a lead in the wing before a very perilous trip to the Irish province of Munster.
Stade Toulousain is for its part first in its group B after its victory in Cardiff (39-7).
With AFP