Castres (AFP)
A real sinking: Castres, champion of France in title, will miss the finals for the first time of the term of Christophe Urios, his trainer who leaves on a pitiful defeat at home against Toulon (25-16) Saturday at the 26th and last day of the Top 14.
The CO (7th) will not defend its title in the play-offs, ahead of La Rochelle (5th) and Montpellier (6th) who narrowly won in Clermont (28-27). The Tarnais had their destiny in their hands, but conceded a third consecutive home defeat, fatal in the race for qualification. This is the second time only - after 2015- that they miss the dams.
It is a real disillusion for Urios, at the end of the contract and who goes to Bordeaux-Bègles on a first elimination before the final phase. Since returning to the Tarn in 2015, the ex-hooker had brought the OC in roadblocks (2016 and 2017) and a surprise champion title, obtained in the nose and beard of more powerful clubs (Toulouse, Racing, Montpellier ), surprised by the collective strength of the Tarn.
But the good star castrais has weakened this season: Toulon, yet came with a team redesigned (Yoan Cottin, Erwan Dridi, Daniel Ikpefan) and who had nothing to play, has inflicted the defending champion a sixth defeat at home, 3rd in a row after Toulouse and Montpellier. That too much to defend his crown.
Brouillonne and undisciplined, almost harmless in attack, the formation has shown the same limits as all season long, although there was better between winter and spring -7 success in 8 days.
Castres however started the game well, opener Benjamin Urdapilleta scoring a penalty in the corner (2nd) before a test (18th) came rewarding the domination of the Tarn.
But Toulon did not come to the figuration and Anthony Belleau pierced the defensive curtain, with Daniel Ikpefan at the conclusion (28th, 8-5).
The situation became really problematic after a test of Belleau (34th) who put the Var in the lead after half an hour of play. Disarmed, feverish, the Castrais returned to the locker room with four points behind (12-8).
The situation did not settle after the break: Belleau added two penalties (43rd, 64th), Ikpefan a try (57th) and the Castrais found themselves fifteen minutes from the end with a deficit of 14 points (25-11).
Unable to string together play time, nervous, imprecise and without ideas, the Castrais, despite a test Jody Jenneker late in the game (76), have left their qualification at the hands of Clermont, who could save them by beating Montpellier.
The French champions then waited on the lawn, eyes on their phones, the end of the match at Marcel-Michelin. Setariki Tuicuvu's save attempt was canceled, and their last hope flew away with the referee's decision.
? 2019 AFP