Nanterre (AFP)

At the end of the suspense, Racing 92 won the shock against the defending French champion Toulouse (30-27) and climbed to third place, their gaze turned to the top 14 more than ever.

And five! By winning a buzzer with a test by Olivier Klemenczak in the 80th + 3 this capital victory, Racing (3rd, 41 pts) confirms that it is the most fit team in the championship with five wins in a row and is now aiming the two "untouchables" Bordeaux (1st, 52 pts) and Lyon (2nd, 49 pts).

Toulouse, it goes to 8th place (35 pts), exceeded by one point by Clermont (6th) and Montpellier (7th) after this 15th day.

We will remember from this match a shower of tests and promises kept: despite the absence of six Toulousains and five Racingmen, retained by the XV of France to prepare the trip to Wales next Saturday, the shock of closing the day offered to the more than 26,000 spectators of the Arena a spectacle worthy of this "European" poster.

Without the eleven French internationals (Baille, Marchand, Cros, Dupont, Ntamack, Ramos for Toulouse; Chat, Le Roux, Palu, Vakatawa, Thomas for Racing), we first thought that the man of the match would be a South -African: the usual supersonic wingman Cheslin Kolbe, positioned for the first time in his career at the half opening position. Bet by coach Ugo Mola who was still a winner two minutes from the end.

- Mano a mano -

From the start, moreover, helped by Ciel et Blanc's hand faults, Stade Toulousain took charge. Well served offshore by Kolbe, the New Zealand center Pita Ahki came to flatten, in force against Finn Russell (13th).

Racing passed in front of a ball carried out of touch, concluded collectively and flattened by Fabien Sanconnie (25th).

A mano a mano which continued with the corner test on a jump "Superman" of the winger Lucas Tauzin (29th), well launched by Sofiane Guitoune at the conclusion of an action initiated by a counter against Kolbe, author of the transformation.

With the release of Sébastien Bézy, victim of a head to head shock with Louis Dupichot on an action which could have been worth a Toulouse try, it was Kolbe, usually winger, who superbly took charge of the kicks.

In the stoppages of the first period, the Racing equalized by building well its second test, well brought by Finn Russell, feint of pass then passes, and Ben Volavola, for the conclusion of the incoming Dorian Laborde (40th + 1 , 17-17).

In an incredible 51st minute, while Racing had managed a gap and Yoan Tanga was spinning the test, it was Sofiane Guitoune, after an interception and a crazy 80-meter race where he dropped off Brice Dulin, who finally flattened for Toulouse.

A new long distance penalty from Kolbe gave Toulouse a seven point lead (58th, 27-20). An advantage that was believed to be definitive, up to the final pushes by the locals and the providential test by Klemenczak.

© 2020 AFP