Deprived of opener Antoine Hastoy in the sixth minute of play, the Maritimes multiplied the inaccuracies to take their first loss of the season on Sunday.
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A first defeat with a bitter taste. The Rochelais have floundered against aggressive and defensively solid Clermontois. Without their opening half Antoine Hastoy, released in the sixth minute of play, the Maritimes multiplied the inaccuracies, Sunday, September 25, and lost (22-13) against ASM.
Is there a curse for the men of Ronan O’Gara, in a Marcel-Michelin stadium which, historically, does not suit them? In 21 confrontations, the Rochelais broke their teeth 21 times on the volcanic Auvergnats. This first defeat of the season deprived them of the top 14 at the end of the fourth day, a position that went to Toulouse, tied on points with Montpellier. For Clermont, on the other hand, this second success offers a welcome breath of fresh air after the defeats against Toulon (30-29) and Stade Français (24-18).
#FinalScore by Paprec The people of Clermont win the Michelin against the @staderochelais on the score 22•13 #ASMrugby #YellowArmy pic.twitter.com/oiPQk9oZ8n
– ASM Rugby (@ASMOfficiel) September 25, 2022
Carried by an omnipresent Arthur Iturria who opened the scoring in the third minute, the Clermontois unfolded a solid score. A finally positive sign after a disappointing start to the season. If possession remained mostly Rochelaise (59%), ASM played with its weapons: envy and aggressiveness. Two incursions in the first period (Itturia 3rd, Simone 32nd) were enough for ASM to register two tries and install a meager advantage (13-3). Not enough on the other hand to feel serene. Leaving Charente-Maritime to go to the Jaunards, Jules Plisson lacked precision against the poles. Never mind, the defense held out until halftime. Back tied (13-13) at the start of the second period thanks to a try from Tanga (58th), the Rochelais were undermined by their indiscipline and their countless forwards.
Four penalties from a finally inspired Jules Plisson came to close the debates (including three registered in the space of 6 minutes at the end of the match) and offered Clermont the scalp of the Maritimes.