Maxime Médard did not want to overwhelm his men on Friday evening at the Stadium in Toulouse, but his spite was sweating after the defeat against Stade Français two minutes after the siren (28-29). Stade Toulousain lost its fifth consecutive match in the Top 14, a black series that it had not suffered for eight years. “Inevitably, the teams at the moment, they enjoy playing us because we are having trouble putting our game in place”. At the heart of this feast, a man, the Paris opener Joris Segonds, author of the decisive penalty.
Came on in the 61st minute
It was not easy at kick-off that the men from the capital won, despite the cabinet of absentees on the Toulouse side. Only, Gonzalo Quesada had anticipated it: in the event of a tight duel, some usually incumbent players would come off the bench to hurt in the last minutes. Like Alo-Emile and Macalou, Segonds was one of them. Came into play in the 61st minute, while the reigning French and European champions were leading (25-16), he entered a transformation (66th) then two penalties (71st, 80 + 2nd).
This mammoth and very precise right foot is one of the former Pro D2 player’s favorite weapons. Recruited in 2019 from Aurillac, the Aveyronnais plays a leading role in the good progress of Stade Français, now 8th, three points from sixth qualifying place. “We had, in quotes, nothing to lose. We came to play a good match. Fifteen years that we had not won here, it’s huge. Admittedly, they lack the internationals but it’s still a Toulouse victory. Few teams do. Frankly, it’s great, ”welcomed the 24-year-old player after the meeting at the microphone of Canal +.
Not just good footwork
When he arrived, he was not a favorite for a place in the XV. Eyes were rather on the Argentinian Nicolas Sanchez, opening half of the Pumas and two Worlds on the clock. By dint of physical glitches, the latter gradually loses Quesada’s confidence in favor of the discreet replacement. “I have a very emotional relationship with the 10, admitted the technician at the end of last season. When I arrived, knowing Nico, I imagined that he was going to play a little more than Joris. It was hard for me to make some decisions, but I did it, because Jojo made a lot of progress. He understands exactly what we want to do, he follows the instructions, he gets involved in the construction of our game. He has a huge footwork, but he has also improved a lot in his quality as an attacker. »
A safe bet and a good locker room comrade, he took advantage of the absences of Toulouse players and Matthieu Jalibert this summer to join the Blues of Fabien Galthié. Even without playing a single minute during the Australian tour, he was able to taste the very high level. Sixth opener in the hierarchy, he continues to shine in the Top 14 this season. He is the second top scorer in the league.
The month of April will be an opportunity to confirm this status and why not give ideas to the staff of the France team. Stade Français is preparing to face rival Racing three times in a row. The first in the league (April 2), a crucial match since it is the Ciel et Blancs who currently occupy 6th place. The next two in the round of 16 of the European Cup (April 9 and 17), an unprecedented derby at this stage of the competition.
Solid under the boos
The striker will celebrate his 25 brooms during this pivotal sequence, on the 7th of the month. Too young for such a challenge? The pressure, he swallowed it this Friday. Under the boos of the Toulouse public, he first missed a first eccentric attempt to the left of the posts. Before imposing silence by delivering his own five minutes later from 25 meters, right side this time.
