Paris (AFP)

One week before its European Cup final against Exeter, Racing 92, diminished and rejuvenated, held on for a long time before giving in to Toulouse (30-24), Saturday, during the 4th day of the Top 14, marked by two matches postponed.

The shock between Bordeaux-Bègles and Clermont, scheduled for Sunday, had indeed been postponed "to a later date", just like the opposition of Saturday between Castres and Brive, due to cases of infection with UBB then CO .

On the Racing side, the reception of the last French champion could have (should?) Have served as a dress rehearsal before going to Bristol for his third continental final (2016, 2018).

But, rather than cut their teeth on Stade Toulouse, the Ciel et Blancs broke them, conceding their first defeat of the season.

It must be admitted that the preparation was disrupted by the Covid-19.

After nine positive cases, staff included, and the postponement of his trip to La Rochelle, Racing 92 had closed in on itself: isolation at the hotel, closed training center, virtual press conference ...

And, to avoid another blow in the home straight, the Ile-de-France residents even left their usual holders at rest: exit Finn Russell, Virimi Vakatawa, Simon Zebo, Wenceslas Lauret and other Eddy Ben Arous.

With a rejuvenated team (24 years old on average) and a dozen players trained at the club on the scoresheet, this Racing 92 held high for the best attack in the championship (108 points, 12 tries).

Donovan Taofifenua (21 years old) and Jordan Joseph (20 years old) have certainly scored a try each but this Toulouse also has resources.

- Toulon provides the essentials -

Especially since the men of Ugo Mola were complete with Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamack, Cyril Baille, Selefasio Tolofua, Peato Mauvaka, François Cros or Thomas Ramos, all summoned in Blue by Fabien Galthié.

More realistic, more efficient, sharper, the Toulouse have made their experience speak to get rid of catchy Racingmen (17-16 at halftime) thanks to three tries from Matthis Lebel (10th), Cheslin Kolbe (24th) and Zack Holmes (51st).

Result, in the standings, Toulouse takes the lead of the Top 14.

In the other meetings of the day, the Stade Français confirmed its good form away from home by garnering a second success: after Castres (22-16), it was Agen who was welcoming with the Parisians (20- 3).

For the SUA, the red lantern, this is the fourth defeat in as many games.

Toulon won in pain in front of Montpellier (25-21) despite tests by South African world champion Cobus Reinach (46th) and French international Vincent Rattez (52nd).

The RCT was not really reassured before facing Bristol, in Aix, on Friday, in the final of the European Challenge.

The MHR, him, tremble already and can blame his chronic indiscipline: Guilhem Guirado (17th) then Julien Tisseron (29th) thus collected a yellow card each, the fifth and sixth temporary exclusions of the season on the Hérault side.

Continuation and end of the 4th day with the only match finally scheduled for Sunday: the trip from Lyon to Pau.

© 2020 AFP