Toulouse (AFP)

The Toulouse Stadium took control of the Top 14 on Sunday thanks to its enhanced success (48-24) over the French Stadium, one of its historic rivals, at the end of a 14th day disrupted by the health crisis.

The Rouge et Noir, the last team to have lifted the Brennus Shield, are ahead of La Rochelle by three points but the Maritimes are one game late.

With the return to the foreground of the Parisians after several years of famine, the "Classico" of French rugby has regained its superb season this season, at least on paper.

Because the fresh atmosphere of the Ernest-Wallon stadium, emptied of its supporters, had nothing to do on Sunday evening with that of the sumptuous clashes of the 2000s, of this rivalry set in motion between the tinsel of the capital club and the guarantors of the provincial oval.

Without stripped dancers or fire-eaters, the duel between two of the best attacks in the championship still kept its promises on the scoreboard, thanks in particular to the seven trials in Toulouse.

An enhanced success which therefore allows the locals to take the lead of the standings from the Rochelais, whose shock at the top against Racing 92 was postponed due to positive cases of Covid-19 within its workforce and doubtful symptoms at d ' other players.

Opportunistic if not really flamboyant, Stade Toulouse only needed ten minutes to make the difference in the first period, with three tries from Antoine Miquel, Antoine Dupont and Yoann Huget which cooled the Stade français, however better entered the game.

The Parisian defense took water after the break and three quarters of Toulouse enjoyed themselves, like the young winger Matthis Lebel, author of his 7th and 8th tries of the season in Top 14.

On the eve of the announcement by French coach Fabien Galthié of his group for the Six Nations Tournament, several of his teammates also stood out, including the back Thomas Ramos, author in particular of two jump assists.

Opposite, the center Jonathan Danty was illustrated in his characteristic style, with a solitary breakthrough concluded by a test (55th), while Gaël Fickou, who came into play in the 23rd minute, showed himself much less to his easy.

Even if they were then deprived of most of their executives, the heavy defeat of the first leg (48-14), on November 1, had visibly remained through the throat of Toulouse.

They have chained since a draw and six consecutive wins in the league.

And took a resounding revenge on Sunday.

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