The Pierre-Fabre fortress eventually fell.

This had not happened since December 22, 2020 and a setback against Brive (25-24) which had precipitated the arrival at the controls of Pierre-Henry Broncan.

These 788 days of invincibility at home had allowed the CO to finish the regular phase in the lead last year and to keep it on a drip since the start of this season, much less laughing.

This time, doubt is no longer allowed.

With only two points ahead of the 13th and penultimate place, the Tarn club, 11th, will fight in the coming months for its survival in the Top 14.

The Rochelais, fourth four lengths from second place, are reassured for their part after two defeats, including one at home against Lyon (20-16) which had caused some doubts.

The Castres approached this meeting under enormous pressure.

Leaving at the start of the week for an internship in Gruissan, on the shores of the Mediterranean, they had been confronted with their responsibilities by President Pierre-Yves Revol, who had threatened to "activate all the right springs" in the event of failure.

Already deprived of their captain and third line Mathieu Babillot, injured in a shoulder, and their hooker Gaëtan Barlot, retained in the France team, they suffered a new blow even before kick-off with the last minute package of their Argentine opener and scorer Benjamin Urdapilleta, sick.

Indiscipline

Weaned from the ball, the CO scored against the course of the game the first try of the game (10th) after a penalty quickly played by the back Julien Dumora, promoted captain in the absence of Babillot.

But his usual shortcomings in touch and his indiscipline were punished by the European champions, authors of 10 points, including a try from center Ulupano Seuteni, during the temporary exclusion of second line Tarn Florent Vanverberghe.

Back earlier than expected from a knee injury, Jonathan Danty, on the bench for the Maritimes at kickoff, also made an early entry into play, from the 39th minute, after a concussion for Seuteni.

La Rochelle center Jonathan Danty, ball in hand, during the victory of the Maritimes in Castres on February 18, 2023. Back from injury, the French international was on the bench at kick-off but came into play in the 39th minute © Charly TRIBALLEAU / AFP/Archives

The French international, who will immediately join the Blues to prepare for the match against Scotland in the Six Nations Tournament, saw his teammate Antoine Hastoy continue to score points on foot (8 out of 8) in the second half.

The pillar replacing Levan Chilachava, from a strong try (62nd), maintained a semblance of hope for Castres, but the public of Pierre-Fabre had long been preparing for a rare evening of defeat, weighed down at the end of match by the pillar of La Rochelle Joël Sclavi.

Plunged for good into the crisis, the Tarnais will move next weekend to another fortress, that of Bayonne.

With or without Broncan on the bench?

© 2023 AFP