Paris (AFP)

Toulouse started defending their championship title by falling to Bordeaux-Bègles (30-25) while Bayonne, freshly promoted from Pro D2, surprised (24-17) a Racing 92 deprived of its international opening of the Top 14.

. Toulouse, champion at the carpet

The absence of thirteen players occupied with their selections by the preparation of the World Cup in Japan (20 September-2 November), does not explain everything: on the ground of the UBB, the scrum of Toulouse - completely reworked with the Tenure of Japanese rookie Takeshi Hino - suffered (30-25). The injury exit of Sébastien Bézy (35th) did not help. But this Toulouse, which had delighted the rugby world with its offensive game that tantalizing, had trouble finding inspiration.

And it was Mathieu Jalibert who took the opportunity to shine: with twelve points, including the decisive try (67th), the opening half of the UBB crucified the champion of France. What offer perfect debut to the new coach Girondin, Christophe Urios.

For Toulouse, this is the first defeat in the league since April 6 and the trip to Toulon (25-10).

. Racing 92, still crooked

Henri Chavancy had promised: finished the mistakes of last season, exit indiscipline ... Arena La Defense, where visitors had won four times last season, was to become an impregnable fortress. Missed. Racing 92 dropped from entry, at home (24-17), cashing seventeen points in the second half, without giving any. And with two yellow cards in the key (Yoan Tanga Mangene 61st, Hassane Kolingar 72nd).

But it is especially Bayonne, champion of Pro D2, who has skilfully played his luck, displaying this desire that was lacking in the Hauts-de-Seine club. Led by ten points at half-time (17-7), the Basques found the solutions in the second half, responding to the physical impact of the Racingmen to afford a first capital feat.

. Toulon, Lyon, ambition

Quickly done well done. The LOU, deprived of six potential holders, spent three tries in less than ten minutes at the Stade Français and was a resounding success on an ambitious opponent (43-9). A victory without appeal, bonus offensive bonus, which hurts Parisians, minimalist game plan.

The Lyon, undefeated opening the championship since 2016, will try to continue to enjoy the advantage of playing six times at home on the first nine days, including September 1 against the defending champion, Toulouse for a first shock.

Only 9th last season, Toulon has also refueled with Agen (44-25), even where he had a resounding failure a year ago. The RCT of Patrice Collazo seems on the path of redemption thanks to the experience of his forwards and the ardor of his young line of three-quarters, Julien Hériteau and Louis Carbonnel in mind.

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