Nanterre (AFP)

Racing 92 re-engages forward in Top 14: the Ile-de-France club won in snatch against Pau (24-22) on Saturday during the 8th day, despite a reduced workforce.

It was a test, in force, five minutes from the end of Fabien Sanconnie then the transformation, signed François Trinh-Duc, who saved the Ciel and Blanc, jostled throughout the match by the Section.

This fourth success of the season in six matches allows Racing 92 to come back to Toulon, fourth.

But also to distance his opponent of the day who had the same number of points before this day.

Diminished by the absence of internationals and injured players, the Ile-de-France club managed to get on its feet a week after a frustrating defeat in Castres (28-26).

But nothing was easy for Laurent Travers' men who had to juggle new physical problems.

Already deprived of two hookers, Camille Chat and Teddy Baubigny, mobilized with the France team, they had to do without Kevin Le Guen, injured before the meeting.

To make matters worse, the young Jonathan Maiau came out within a quarter of an hour of play (concussion protocol), replaced in tailgating by Eddy Ben Arous, who usually plays pillar.

The limping out of the right pillar Georges-Henri Colombe added to the misfortunes of the Sky and White people.

Despite this, he regained the advantage just the break thanks to the foot of Maxime Machenaud (11-9).

Only one try came to brighten up this somewhat sad first period.

Antoine Gibert's diagonal kick, started for the fourth time in a row at the opening in the absence of the Scottish Finn Russell (groin), found Olivier Klemenczak, at the conclusion on the left corner.

On the return from the locker room, with a new referee (the first victim of a breakdown), the game was lively and turned to the advantage of Pau.

Antoine Hastoy was sharp in the defense of Ile-de-France before transmitting to Elliott Roudil, at the conclusion of the only test in Béarn (11-14).

The Racingmen, suffering and weighed down by the success at the foot of Hastoy (17 points), therefore had to wait for the last five minutes to obtain a precious success.

But with forceps.

© 2020 AFP