Castres (AFP)
La Rochelle no longer responds.
Leader two days ago, the Maritimes lost to Castres (22-15) on Saturday on the 18th day, losing for the second time in a row in the Top 14 for the first time this season.
This fifth defeat in nine trips marks a definite halt for the Maritimes who remained on a loss at home against Toulouse (11-14) in the match at the top of the last day and who are now seven points behind the Toulouse leader.
Humiliated in the first leg (62-3) when they were particularly affected by the Covid-19, the Castres for their part did not miss the opportunity to wash away the affront.
They take advantage of this fourth win in a row at home to continue dreaming of the finals, they who will play their next two matches at home, against Pau and Toulouse.
To sign this third victory in four games, the CO quickly took the lead thanks to the foot of its opener Benjamin Urdapilleta (9-0, 20th).
At half-time, the Tarnais had already made the hole thanks to a very good collective try concluded by Julien Dumora (16-3).
In numerical superiority after the yellow card of Geoffrey Palis (59th), the Rochelais thought to revive thanks to the center Levani Botia then Thomas Berjon (22-15, 70th), but despite this late start, they did not finally manage to take the slightest point.
Headwinds are blowing in La Rochelle and Jono Gibbes' men will quickly have to recover to stay at the top of the bill.
The rest of the program is however not very encouraging since during the next day the Rochelais will once again have to move, on the lawn of Bordeaux-Bègles this time.
© 2021 AFP