After the worrying defeat of Stade Toulousain on Friday, only three Top 14 matches were interspersed in this Tournament weekend, and dated from the 13th day. Postponed at the time due to Covid, they saw the recovery of the RCT, author of a reference match against Bordeaux-Bègles. For its part, Clermont continued its black series by bowing again outside, this time at the Brive neighbor. Opposite dynamics, on the other hand, for Racing 92 which continues to chain victories. Latest victim of Ile-de-France residents, the Section paloise.
Performance: back to the wall, Toulon overcame the leader
This is the third defeat in the Championship for the Girondins who had just lined up five victories. But with another game late, Christophe Urios’ team retains a comfortable lead at the top of the standings: six lengths over Montpellier (2nd, 2 games behind) and seven over Lyon (3rd).
For its part, Toulon offers itself a breath of fresh air with this fifth victory of the season and even abandons 14th and last place to Biarritz. In addition, the Varois have two games behind.
⏱80′ | 21-18 THAT IT DOES GOOD The reaction of the players was expected and it is there! The &⚫ win against the leader of Top 14, with tries from Facundo Isa and Baptiste Serin!#RCTUBB pic.twitter.com/ZiHv4QDSNN
– RCT – RC Toulon (@RCTofficiel) February 12, 2022
The bad spiral: Clermont still travels just as badly
Brive won at home in the derby against Clermont (27-20) on the occasion of the late match of the 13th day initially scheduled for the end of December. While they remained on five defeats in six games, the Brivistes take advantage of their sixth victory of the season at home (2 defeats) to give themselves some air in the standings with now seven points ahead of Biarritz, virtual play-off .
On the other hand, it is always the same refrain for their Clermont neighbor who lost for the eighth time in nine trips and who is still looking for success outside since October 16 in Montpellier. Beaten for the third consecutive time, the “Jaunards” miss another opportunity to integrate the Top 6 (9th) with nine points behind Racing 92, sixth.
The team in form: four in a row for Racing 92
Racing 92 secured a fourth victory in a row in the Championship by overcoming Pau (35-29), after a spectacular meeting with 7 tries scored.
Fɪɴ ᴅᴇ Mᴀᴛᴄʜ & ᴠɪᴄᴛᴏɪʀᴇ
Les Ciel et Blanc win despite a complicated match, congratulations to the @SectionPaloise for his great performance!
See you in 2 weeks against Castres: https://t.co/rcCgwV7Eao
35 – 29️ #R92SP #RacingFamily pic.twitter.com/jNQ2mn6KzR
— Racing 92 (@racing92) February 12, 2022
Carried by a solid Maxime Machenaud at the foot (6/7), the Ile-de-France residents continue their rise in the standings by climbing to 5th place, synonymous with qualification for the final stages. Less imperial than in their previous outings, the Racingmen however provide the essentials by winning for the sixth time in seven games, including the European Cup.
Pau, author of 5 tries, leaves with the offensive bonus but has once again lacked precision far from his bases and is in 10th place in the standings.