Castres (AFP)

Rarely in danger, Castres still struggled in front of his audience to overcome a catchy Pau team (16-12) on Saturday on the first day of the Top 14.

Under a blazing sun, Castrais and Palois started their first championship game with their feet to the ground, surrendering blow for blow.

The Section was the first to find the loophole, with a penalty from its new English opener Zack Henry, who started in the absence of Antoine Hastoy, who will only be available from next week after taking part in the tour. des Bleus in Australia.

Worried twice by Pau's cons, the CO finally reacted by scoring a try by its Argentinian opener Benhamin Urdapilleta, on the lookout following a badly negotiated touch.

Dominators before the break, the Tarn did not manage to win their opponent despite a good opportunity to double the bet after a dribbling game from Urdapilleta, a former football player.

Best director of the Top 14 last season, the 30-year-old Argentinian did not show his usual success against the posts (2 out of 5) and gave way to Ben Botica, who arrived this summer from Bordeaux-Bègles.

The New Zealander also failed to put his team under cover for good, but Castres, despite a messy copy, finally managed to ensure the essentials.

© 2021 AFP