The Atlantic derby for La Rochelle. At the Marcel-Deflandre stadium, Ronan O’Gara‘s players dominated (32-22) those of Union Bordeaux-Bègles, who had 4 victories in a row and occupied the leader’s chair. The Bordeaux staff had even decided to let their French international duo, Maxime Lucu and Matthieu Jalibert, enjoy a few days of rest.
After the slap inflicted by Bayonne (37-7) last Sunday, the week was tense in La Rochelle. Although he rarely does it, President Vincent Merling gave a rather strong speech to the staff and players. A reframing in order which was therefore followed by effects.
During the match, each team had its half-time. La Rochelle in fact put pressure on the Bordeaux residents from the start. The 3/4 international wing Teddy Thomas quickly scored a double, first flattening on a perfect foot pass from Leyds (5-0, 5th) then on a service from Brice Dulin (15-3, 17th) .
Moefana’s red card
The UBB is totally overwhelmed and dominated. On a tackle, Yoram Moefana’s head collided with that of Jonathan Danty, his teammate in the France team. Guilty of unfair play, the Bordeaux center receives a red card (34th). Bordeaux will finish at 14 and Danty must come out due to bleeding and concussion protocol. This first one-way period ends with a third try, signed Brice Dulin, author of a great performance, well served by Antoine Hastoy (23-3, 38th). With the addition of two conversions and two penalties scored by Hastoy, La Rochelle is clearly ahead at the break (25-3) against the Bordelais, punished by their indiscipline.
But Yannick Bru’s players have resources and pride. Thanks to two tries from Pablo Uberti (45th), then Temo Matiu (51st), they came back ten lengths (25-15) from La Rochelle. However, the Maritimes did not really have time to doubt. Like Tomas, Dulin also scores a double, a try transformed by Hastoy (32-15, 54th). However, the UBB did not give up and further reduced the score thanks to Matiu’s second try transformed by Garcia (32-22, 73rd). In the ranking, La Rochelle remains 3rd but Bordeaux-Bègles loses its leadership position to the benefit of Toulouse.
