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The Pau feeling
It's probably the biggest surprise of the season so far.
Even without his Blues Grégory Alldritt, Uini Atonio or Yoan Tanga, selected for the autumn tests, La Rochelle started out as the big favorite on his field against Pau.
The Béarnais, who were thought to be in perdition after five defeats in a row, nevertheless achieved the feat at the Marcel-Deflandre stadium (38-21), where they had not won since 1998.
Frenchman Emilien Gailleton (center) scored a try with the Pau Section on October 29, 2022 in La Rochelle.
XAVIER LEOTY AFP
A third defeat in four matches for the European champions from La Rochelle, relegated to eleven points behind the leader, Toulouse, and shaken by their coach Ronan O'Gara at the end of the meeting.
"We were humiliated today," railed the Irishman.
"The solution is quite simple after all: look in the mirror and understand the word humility. We can put our values in the trash tonight".
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Toulouse gone too far
You miss nine beings … Deprived of his French internationals, all of whom remained in Marcoussis, the Toulouse leader, with a very rejuvenated workforce, paid dearly for his failed start in Bayonne (26-22).
Les Rouge et Noir, who wanted to better anticipate this season, the periods of doubles, will have to get into the match more quickly next weekend against Stade Français, their runner-up in the standings.
Toulouse coach Ugo Mola during the Top 14 match in Bayonne on October 29, 2022. ROMAIN PERROCHEAU AFP
The promoted Basque continues his flawless performance at the Jean-Dauger stadium after having already knocked down Racing 92, Bordeaux-Bègles and La Rochelle there.
Excuse a bit.
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End of series
"Yes, we have to worry," said MHR Italian international Paolo Garbisi last week after his team's fourth consecutive loss at Racing (38-31).
Well launched by a try from his third line Alexandre Bécognée, released in the middle of the week by the staff of the XV of France, the defending champion was somewhat reassured, with a victory in pain against the French Stadium (23-19 ), walked away with the defensive bonus point.
An end to the series also for the Parisians, who remained them on three victories, despite the return from injury at the hinge of the experienced Morgan Parra and Nicolas Sanchez.
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Castres in the wind
The strong autan wind which blew on the Tarn on Saturday did not prevent the CO from continuing against Clermont (26-22) a 26th match without defeat in their impregnable lair of Pierre-Fabre.
The Castres, as often exemplary in combat, knew better how to tame the conditions.
They take advantage of this success to return to the standings up to their opponent of the day, who managed to snatch the defensive bonus after the siren.
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Racing sinks Brive
No electroshock in Brive.
The dismissal of head coach Jeremy Davidson, replaced by Arnaud Méla after the heavy setback conceded at home against Toulouse (45-7), did not stop the bad dynamic.
The center of Racing 92, Gaël Fickou (in the center), during the top 14 match against Montpellier on October 22, 2022. STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN AFP
The Corréziens, authors of five tries, still showed their best offensively during their defeat against Racing (43-38), author of their first success of the season away from home.
This fourth loss in a row is for them synonymous with last place since Perpignan won at the same time against Lyon (28-21).
Carried by its rear Tristan Tedder, author of 18 points, Usap resisted the surge of pride of the men of Xavier Garbajosa, who had chosen to do without the internationals left at the disposal of the club by the management of the Blues.
The 9th day will end on Sunday with the meeting between Bordeaux-Bègles and Toulon.
© 2022 AFP