Top 14: La Rochelle Finds Comfort Against a Two-Faced UBB
Seeking redemption after their heavy defeat against Bayonne, La Rochelle responded well against the inconsistent former leader Bordeaux-Bègles (32-22), but were unable to snatch the second place from them on Sunday night in the conclusion of the 7th round of Top 14.
An intriguing clash between contenders aiming to succeed Toulouse saw each team dominating in one half: the first half belonged to the Maritimes, who were unstoppable and on their way to an easy victory against undisciplined Girondins reduced to 14 men after Yoram Moefana was shown a red card (35th minute), which could potentially rule him out of the upcoming November tour with the French team.
The second half showcased a transformed UBB, scoring three tries against a tired La Rochelle side struggling to maintain the lead acquired at halftime, also facing discipline issues themselves (3 yellow cards in total).
Therefore, it will be Toulouse leading the Top 14 table this week as Yannick Bru’s men, despite a successful second half, failed to secure a defensive bonus point at Marcel-Deflandre stadium where the enthusiastic atmosphere turned tense towards the end when Bordeaux narrowed the gap to ten points.
The outcome was unpredictable considering the first half where the Maritimes displayed intent, physicality, and precision, while UBB struggled to create opportunities without their regular halfback duo who were rested.
Naturally, La Rochelle took control, ending the first half with a 25-3 scoreline reflecting their dominance under Ronan O’Gara, with Teddy Thomas back in the lineup and scoring a brace on the wing (5th, 17th minute). Brice Dulin further extended the lead capitalizing on the numerical advantage (38th minute).
However, UBB, featuring an unprecedented forward-heavy bench inspired by South Africa, was far from a weak side.
Having already defeated Toulouse with a reshuffled lineup, Bordeaux-Bègles bounced back after halftime, with Pablo Uberti finishing an impressive backline move (45th minute) followed by substitute Temo Matiu scoring from close range (25-15, 51st minute).
La Rochelle had to start over, and it was Dulin’s quick tap penalty from 5 meters out that relieved the home fans (55th minute).
However, indiscipline crept in among the hosts, along with some inaccuracies. A lineout steal near their tryline gifted an opportunity to the impressive Matiu who completed his brace (73rd minute) but failed to fully reignite the suspense.