If Stade Toulousain managed to stop the bleeding and its black series of six consecutive defeats, the UBB will wait at least one more week to resume its march forward. After two defeats conceded by three small points in Toulon then at home against Racing 92, the Union this time lost by the smallest of margins.
Christophe Urios’ players had however taken the score from the 5th minute after Jean-Baptiste Dubié’s try. It seemed ideal to leave Toulouse in doubt. The Union was solid in conquest, only dropping one ball in touch (four Toulouse touches recovered) and winning four scrums on an opponent’s introduction (50%). Unfortunately, the lack of control and precision never allowed the Union to make a break in this meeting which turned into an arm wrestling match.
too much indiscipline
The Bordelais conceded a whopping 14 penalties, seven in the first period, seven in the second half. The people of Toulouse have never really found fault with the defense of the Union, united and well organized. They crossed very little but they ended up causing faults in mark areas. Zack Holmes thus passed four kicks including the decisive one in the 70th minute to allow his team to return to the lead.
This indiscipline also hampered the Bordeaux offensives. Like these two faults by Lamerat in the first period and Maynadier in the second who rolled on the ground with the ball when the action could have continued. There were also good Toulouse defenses, good contests, like Cordero’s sprint in the 51st minute, stopped just a meter from goal.
The weight of the absent
If Toulouse pays a high price for this period of doubling, the UBB is not helped either. Moefana, Woki and Lucu with the France team, Jalibert, Petti or Lam injured, it is potential holders who are lacking. The young people take over and their responsibilities like Matéo Garcia, author of a nice drop who flirted with the left post in the 65th minute. The Union is however diminished and will remain so for the next two matches against Pau then at Clermont in a late match. The next reception of the Pau (Saturday, 5 p.m.) will also be decisive in maintaining a leading position now coveted by Montpellier at one point and Lyon at three points.