Two decisive breakthroughs, a millimeter kick for his winger and a personal achievement: involved in four of his team's five tests, Dupont was obviously keen to show that he had not stolen his world distinction from the day before.

The international scrum-half, capable of doing everything, put Stade Toulouse on the right European tracks with an improved success (39-7), even if the defending champion could have perhaps expected an even more match. easy against a team greatly reduced due to Covid-19.

On the slippery lawn of Arms Park, where the Reds and Blacks won the first edition of the competition in 1996, facing the same opponent, the Welsh neophytes, full of enthusiasm, resisted well before giving in gradually faced with the blows of the best player in the world.

Deprived of her master to play Matthieu Jalibert, injured, the UBB fell on his ground against Leicester (16-13) in a clash between the leaders of the championships of France and England.

The international scrum-half Maxime Lucu escapes against Leicester, December 11, 2021 in Bordeaux ROMAIN PERROCHEAU AFP

The Girondins fell into the strategic trap of the English, still unbeaten this season after ten matches, who started a game of "ping-pong" at the foot with the international opener George Ford at the baton.

A handicap at home for the players of Christophe Urios, semi-finalists of the European Cup last season, in a condensed formula allowing almost no missteps in the group stage.

Crestfallen is not enough

Clermont, beaten by Ulster (29-23) in his once impregnable Michelin stadium, also performed a very bad accounting operation despite the defensive bonus point torn off at the end of the game.

Orphans of their hinge holder Morgan Parra-Camille Lopez, the Auvergnats, connected to alternating current since the start of the season in Top 14, have again shown two faces.

The French international Damian Penaud (left) taken by the defense of Ulster, December 11, 2021 in Clermont THIERRY ZOCCOLAN AFP

Largely dominated in the first half, they were much more conqueror after the break, but the two superb tries of the international winger Damian Penaud, in great form currently, were not enough against the Irish pragmatism.

Another province of the Emerald Isle, Leinster, made a strong impression on this 1st European day by crushing the English in Bath (45-20).

Friday, Racing 92, in difficulty in the championship, suddenly woke up with a show of force in Northampton (45-14) thanks to a gala Finn Russell and three tries from the third row Wenceslas Lauret.

Racing 92 Wenceslas Lauret third row scores his third try of the game against the Saints on December 10, 2021 in Northampton DARREN STAPLES AFP

Three other French teams will in turn enter the competition on Sunday: an unfortunate finalist last season, La Rochelle will host Glasgow, the Stade Français will play for the Irish province of Connacht and Castres will host the Harlequins, reigning English champions.

© 2021 AFP