An inspired Waisea, Serin in the right tempo, but also a Toulon who physically cracks and fear for Arrate… Discover the tops and flops of the match of the 16th day of Top 14, which opposed Stade Français to RC Toulon this Sunday at Jean Bouin (26-24).
Tops
The Stade Français rocks in the positive
« If we could take shelter a little earlier it would be a little better “. We know that the Stade Français never does anything like the others. And when it comes to making the task a little easier by succeeding in their starts, the club from the capital is not really from that school. Still trailing at the break, Gonzalo Quesada’s men were able to fall back on simpler things in the second period to overthrow Toulon. A good conquest, more aggressiveness and fewer passes after contact. All for the benefit of more physical confrontations. The key to overthrowing a Toulon who has played less lately. And, if Paul Gabrillagues, questioned by Canal + after the meeting, hopes to see his people getting fewer scares in the future, it still seems to be working well for the Parisians. The famous ” state of mind “Which spoke a few minutes later and at the same microphone his partner Joris Segonds.
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Waisea always so important
The matches follow one another and look alike for the Stade Français. Sometimes lacking in inspiration, accuracy and creativity, the capital club relied on its artist Waisea Nayacalevu. Even when he does not score he remains decisive. Placed on a right wing he knows so well after having occupied the position of winger for so long, the Fijian international was the ray of sunshine of the Parisian attack. As if (understand too) often. Constantly advancing, he was always one step ahead. His changes of support hurt the opposing defense (103 meters covered) and opened the gaps on each of the stadium offensives. The future Toulonnais will clearly miss a Stade Français that we can hardly imagine succeeding in coping without him.
Serin in the right tempo
Despite the defeat, he (still) stood out. At ease in the animation, good manager and excellent guide for his partners, Baptiste Serin delivered a full match, being involved in the three tries of his team. It is also he who is at the conclusion of the second, rewarding a first period that he could not have done better. His regrets at the end of the match, despite the defensive bonus point obtained, speaks volumes about his ambitions and those of his club. He still scored points.
Kremer goes on
Here he is, the Argentinian international full of aggressiveness and energy that Stade Français has been looking for for a long time. Not always flawless since his arrival in the capital in the summer of 2020, Marcos Kremer seems to have found the key to shine in the Top 14. days. Decisive during the stunning success of his team last weekend against Connacht (36-31), he delivered a high quality performance this Sunday against Toulon. Omnipresent in the regroupings, he was very valuable defensively for the Stade Français. Very disciplined, he did not fall back into his usual failings. A quality performance, like the entry into play of his friend Nicolas Sanchez, also at the level.
Read alsoStade Français: finally the expected trigger?
Flops
Toulon cracks
Toulon will certainly have missed the big blow but really did not deserve. Coming to Paris with great ambitions, Toulon held victory in their hands for a long time. Full of generosity and desire, the RCT fought a great battle on the lawn of the Jean-Bouin stadium. Short of rhythm, it was finally the second period that failed the players in the harbour. This extra soul, the Var people had it this Sunday. A frustrating defeat for Franck Azéma and his men, who will however have good bases on which to build to relaunch their season.
Arrate’s Wound
Another blow for Alex Arrate. In delicacy since his arrival in Paris, the former Biarritz Alex Arrate had been reviving for some time. His good period will only be short-lived. Released in the 49th minute of play, hit in the knee, he needed the support of one of the Parisian trainers and his teammate Talalelei Gray to return to the locker room at the Jean-Bouin stadium. A real blow for Gonzalo Quesada and his staff, while the center chained good performances in recent weeks.
