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Toulouse is being scuttled

When Jacob Umaga, nephew of Toulon All Black legend Tana Umaga, took a red card for an illegal tackle in the 33rd minute, Wasps (30-22) were ahead.

Not for long, it seemed, as the Toulouse people seemed on track to go back up.

But the English held on for 50 minutes against the reigning French and European champion.

The absences of Antoine Dupont, injured in a knee, of Julien Marchand or Rory Arnold do not explain everything.

No more than the lack of rhythm displayed by the Toulouse, who have only played two matches in the last six weeks.

"We fell into the trap a bit. We made a lot of inaccuracies, a lot of mistakes," regretted manager Ugo Mola.

Now the Reds and Blacks must take revenge on Cardiff to secure a place in the finals.

The Toulouse opening half Romain Ntamack, tackled by the center of Wasps, Jimmy Gopperth (g) and the pillar Biyi Alo, during the 3rd day of the European Cup, January 15, 2022 in Coventry Glyn KIRK AFP

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It rolls for Racing

Two victories on the field, a third on the green carpet.

With fourteen points after three days, Racing 92 is the first French club to qualify.

But the Ciel et Blancs do not intend to stop there: "When there is a point to take, it can be essential. It is not a detail", railed manager Laurent Travers, who lamented the point. of bonuses dropped en route against the Ospreys.

Because the ambitious Racing 92 is aiming for a round of 16 return home.

"We have one group match left, against Northampton, and we'll have to win it. We'll have to do what it takes to be at the top of the table."

The joy of the center of Racing92, Gaël Fickou (c), and his teammates, after their victory, 25-10 against the players of Ospreys, during the 3rd day of the European Cup, January 15, 2022 in Swansea Geoff Caddick AFP

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La Rochelle under control

Solid and realistic, Stade La Rochelais spent five tries in Bath (39-21) to secure a second European victory.

With eleven points in three games, qualification is within reach for the Maritimes.

In the fog, Grégory Alldritt's teammates started strong and delivered an almost full match, apart from an air pocket in the second half.

But at 20-0 at the break and even 39-0 just before the hour mark, the case was heard.

The 3rd line from La Rochelle Grégory Alldritt scores the 3rd try against Bath, during the 3rd day of the European Cup, on January 15, 2022 at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre XAVIER LEOTY AFP

Friday, Castres stood up to the Irish ogre of Munster for a long time before cracking at the end of the game (16-13) and heavily jeopardizing its chances of qualification.

With three points in three matches, the CO must now win on the field of Harlequins, reigning English champions.

The third day ends on Sunday with the clash between Montpellier and Leinster.

Then the UBB will challenge the Scarlets before Clermont receives Sale.

© 2022 AFP