Pau (AFP)
Decidedly, Jules Plisson has flourished since his arrival on the shores of the Atlantic. The international opener was the great architect of the improved success of La Rochelle (44-13), the first of the season away from home, during the 13th day of Top 14.
An offering to his second line Thomas Lavault for the first try of the match (13) and especially a splendid interception of a ball between Antoine Hastoy and Charlie Malié before going to conclude himself (20): Plisson illuminated his team which , with this success, climbs temporarily on the third step of the podium.
The 28-year-old, who was ostracized this fall by the Stade Français and arrived in mid-November at the Stade Rochelais, was also almost perfect on the foot with a six out of seven in his attempts at penalties and conversions.
The "Plisson, Plisson" which had already made themselves heard at Marcel-Deflandre could be amplified from the next match, against Montpellier.
For the Section paloise, on the other hand, the year started badly. Nicolas Godignon's men conceded their fourth loss in a row, which is also their fourth loss at home for only three wins.
The Section retains its tenth place in the classification but must react very quickly so as not, according to its manager's formula, to have to "look all the time behind". On the program of the Palois who have not won for almost two months, on November 9 in Bayonne (9-3), a trip to Brive then the reception of Clermont.
Against Agen (40-8) last week, with six tries and play, the Rochelais 2018/2019 version seemed to be back.
In Pau, they confirmed this renewal in the quality of the game, like the third try, concluded by Victor Vito (52) after a last pass from the other key element, the scrum half Tawera Kerr-Barlow.
The Section, which had resisted, registering an essay with Samuel Marques before the break (20-10), ended up sinking: evidenced by Jérémy Sinzelle's essay thanks to the interception of a hazardous pass (63), or again this fifth try entered by Pierre Aguillon when Thomas Berjon was first stopped before the line. But nothing seemed to be able to stop La Rochelle.
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