Le Taupe XIV et la mégalomanie d'un secretaire d'état ripoux

[TheFrog]

La Rochelle not looking like a team who just won the European Cup, Toulouse well on top.

Worn out. No more gaz left in the tank.

Toulouse was able to recover some energy going into this game and it made the difference.

[La soule]

Good game. Made nice viewing. Forwards did the job for Toulouse, so did the half back partnership.

[Torquemada 1420]

La Rochelle not looking like a team who just won the European Cup, Toulouse well on top.

Pretty dull watching. Too fractured with high error count: esp from LaR. Not helped by the assinine commentators on Premier.
Once again, Dupont is the key difference.

Ironic that Toulouse did to LaR what LaR did to Leinster i.e. ran rush defence out wide the entire game to force the runners back into the traffic. West is so dogsh*t awful, he was never going to have the kicking or running game to alter the method of attack.

If the Toulon fans are up in arms about Carbonel going, wait until they get to see a few West performance.

[TheFrog]

Torque,

Watch Mont de Marsan if you want to discover Colly.

[Torquemada 1420]

Torque,

Watch Mont de Marsan if you want to discover Colly.

Sadly that game was not available anywhere I could watch it.

[TheFrog]

Urios has never managed a group with big egos. That interview is telling.

https://www.rugbyrama.fr/rugby/top-14/2 ... tory.shtml

[La soule]

Yes, big gamble by Urios but the performance of the team against USAP was not acceptable. Jalibert is not performing to the level you would expect him to. Bègles unlocked the game yesterday through tries that did not involve him. The lad has a huge ego.

I hope the team and Urios can fix things as it would be a pity for this club if they did not.

[Torquemada 1420]

Urios has never managed a group with big egos. That interview is telling.

https://www.rugbyrama.fr/rugby/top-14/2 ... tory.shtml

Yeah. That is massively disappointing and player rebellion is nothing new. Especially in France. Increasingly we are seeing this in rugby as money and media exposure increases. Funny how FHs figure a lot in this e.g. Russell.

I assume you both read Jalibert's disgraceful response? If I were in Urios's position, I'd have him out of the door. Also, I can't imagine Galthie is going to tolerate such sh*t and Jalibert may have shot himself in the foot. Galthie is not like Villepreux/Skrela or Lievremont.

[Marylandolorian]

Urios has never managed a group with big egos. That interview is telling.

https://www.rugbyrama.fr/rugby/top-14/2 ... tory.shtml

In a couple of interviews Urios said that Jalibert was “orgueilleux”and that was one of his great qualities, it looks like he’s having a big head now, same for Woki.
Urios was right to be piss of with them, Woki has done nothing since the 6N, but it could be the coach’s fault as they put him in 4 & 8 most of the time, and Jalibert seemed to preserve himself for the Japan trip.
Hopefully everything will be fine for 22/23, but now I’m not sure that Cameron will extend his contract with Bordeaux.

[Torquemada 1420]

Urios has never managed a group with big egos. That interview is telling.

https://www.rugbyrama.fr/rugby/top-14/2 ... tory.shtml

In a couple of interviews Urios said that Jalibert was “orgueilleux”and that was one of his great qualities, it looks like he’s having a big head now, same for Woki.
Urios was right to be piss of with them, Woki has done nothing since the 6N, but it could be the coach’s fault as they put him in 4 & 8 most of the time, and Jalibert seemed to preserve himself for the Japan trip.
Hopefully everything will be fine for 22/23, but now I’m not sure that Cameron will extend his contract with Bordeaux.

Yes: thin line between pride and arrogance. I'm not even sure you can have one without the other in sport.

Woki may be suffering from too much rugby as well as the positional shuffling. He has certainly been less prominent around the park but his lineout work remains crucial for France. Backrow is looking interesting and not in a good way
- Woki as discussed: even if he is in the backrow
- Ollivon was looking every bit the player of the past... right up until the 2 games that mattered: Lyon and Racing.
- Macalou is still in the doghouse.
- Cros puts in loads of tackles but offers little else.
- Jelonch has been Mr Invisible through much of the 6N. Toulouse's amount of ball they turn over in possession remains a terrifying statistic when 2/3rds of France's backrow is there.
- Clermont have ruined nearly every player including Iturria. Only Penaud has survived the decline.

[TheFrog]

Haddad coming to the rescue as the mobile backrow forward we need.

[laurent]

Haddad coming to the rescue as the mobile backrow forward we need.

He was outstanding in U20 World Cup and in the erc final.

[Torquemada 1420]

Haddad coming to the rescue as the mobile backrow forward we need.

Mobility really isn't an issue with any of the ones listed and I excluded Le Roux and Lauret from that (both are gone from Galthie's mind and Le Roux is better at lock anyway).

For me, the problems are
- lack of lineout options.
- lack of ability to slow opposition ball and turn it over: most of this work is done by non backrow players such as Marchand, Dupont, Danty & Villiere but those guys can only do that when play hits their sectors. They cannot come to the breakdowns to do the jobs the backrow consistently fails to do.
- lack of consistency. All of the players in that list have shone at some time (some more than others) but getting a unit that works together and is in form at the same time is defeating France. Ironically, having to many options is hampering the process: other teams just have to pick what is available.

Only Aldritt is the exception to all of this.

[La soule]

but getting a unit that works together and is in form at the same time is defeating France.

Hmmm. The have beaten every single opposition they faced at least once in the last 12 months.

The backrow played a major role in this run of victories.

[Torquemada 1420]

but getting a unit that works together and is in form at the same time is defeating France.

Hmmm. The have beaten every single opposition they faced at least once in the last 12 months.

The backrow played a major role in this run of victories.

No. It really did not. The backrow tackled like demons (mostly: where Jelonch was for some of the games was a mystery) but it terms of slowing or turning over ball, Aldritt was a one man band. France simply had a better team across the park but I fear what might happen against SA, for example.

[La soule]

but getting a unit that works together and is in form at the same time is defeating France.

Hmmm. The have beaten every single opposition they faced at least once in the last 12 months.

The backrow played a major role in this run of victories.

No. It really did not. The backrow tackled like demons (mostly: where Jelonch was for some of the games was a mystery) but it terms of slowing or turning over ball, Aldritt was a one man band. France simply had a better team across the park but I fear what might happen against SA, for example.

You are picking the only team they have not played against as a source of worry., discounting the rest of their season. Why not.

And yes, the BR played a central role in this run of victories. 6/7 players will be competing for a place and that's good for the team.

If anything, we are thin in the second row & tight head, but certainly not in the back 3 unit.

[Torquemada 1420]

If anything, we are thin in the second row & tight head, but certainly not in the back 3 unit.

TH, FB and FH are all a headache.

No problem** with locks really. If going for the tried and tested "1 lump + 1 athlete", despite my qualification reservations, Willemse is as good a lump as any on the planet........ although he is the only real candidate and I hope that knee isn't serious. Jedrasiak had looked the part too until ASM managed to ruin him.

In terms of mobiles: Le Roux, Woki, Itrurria (caveat on ASM again^^) are all good operators.

** Because I would not be adverse to 2 mobile locks as long as there was enough weight in the backrow to compensate.

[Marylandolorian]

Which channels (Fr or Eng) will be showing the Eng/ Bar game and at what time?

[Torquemada 1420]

Which channels (Fr or Eng) will be showing the Eng/ Bar game and at what time?

Free on
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/livetv/tvnz-1

but you will probably need to VPN.

[Marylandolorian]

Which channels (Fr or Eng) will be showing the Eng/ Bar game and at what time?

Free on
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/livetv/tvnz-1

but you will probably need to VPN.

Thanks, but didn’t see it in the programming, which day / time does it start?

[GuLi]

Thanks, but didn’t see it in the programming, which day / time does it start?

Vendredi 21h (heure de Nice) pour CO-ST

[Torquemada 1420]

Which channels (Fr or Eng) will be showing the Eng/ Bar game and at what time?

Free on
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/livetv/tvnz-1

but you will probably need to VPN.

Thanks, but didn’t see it in the programming, which day / time does it start?

Sunday at 15:00 UK

[GuLi]

Thanks, but didn’t see it in the programming, which day / time does it start?

Vendredi 21h (heure de Nice) pour CO-ST

Ooh, I answered another question Sorry.

[Marylandolorian]

Thanks, but didn’t see it in the programming, which day / time does it start?

Vendredi 21h (heure de Nice) pour CO-ST

Ooh, I answered another question Sorry.

It’s ok, Il fait chaud, pastis puis un petit rosé bien frais et on se mélange les pinceaux.

[La soule]

Le XV de départ de Castres : 15. Dumora ; 14. Palis, 13. Combezou, 12. Botitu, 11. Nakosi ; 10. Urdapilleta, 9. Arata ; 7. Champion de Crespigny, 8. Ben-Nicholas, 6. Babillot (cap.) ; 5. Staniforth, 4. Vanverberghe ; 3. Hounkpatin, 2. Barlot, 1. Walcker.

Les remplaçants : 16. Ngauamo, 17. de Benedittis, 18. Jacquet, 19. Delaporte, 20. Fernandez, 21. Cocagi, 22. Zeghdar, 23. Chilachava.

V

Le XV de départ de Toulouse : 15. Ramos ; 14. Mallia, 13. Fouyssac, 12. Ahki, 11. Lebel ; 10. Ntamack, 9. Dupont ; 7. Elstadt, 8. Tolofua, 6. Jelonch ; 5. Ri. Arnold, 4. Ro. Arnold ; 3. Faumuina, 2. Marchand (cap.), 1. Baille.

Les remplaçants : 16. Mauvaka, 17. Ainu'u, 18. Meafou, 19. Flament, 20. Placines, 21. Germain, 22. Epee, 23. Aldegheri.

Castres are pretty much full strength.

Faumina back for ST but Cros gone, replaced by Placines, on the bench. Fouyssac had finally a good game last week and cold start to deliver. If he does, ST by 10.

[Torquemada 1420]

Le XV de départ de Castres : 15. Dumora ; 14. Palis, 13. Combezou, 12. Botitu, 11. Nakosi ; 10. Urdapilleta, 9. Arata ; 7. Champion de Crespigny, 8. Ben-Nicholas, 6. Babillot (cap.) ; 5. Staniforth, 4. Vanverberghe ; 3. Hounkpatin, 2. Barlot, 1. Walcker.

Les remplaçants : 16. Ngauamo, 17. de Benedittis, 18. Jacquet, 19. Delaporte, 20. Fernandez, 21. Cocagi, 22. Zeghdar, 23. Chilachava.

V

Le XV de départ de Toulouse : 15. Ramos ; 14. Mallia, 13. Fouyssac, 12. Ahki, 11. Lebel ; 10. Ntamack, 9. Dupont ; 7. Elstadt, 8. Tolofua, 6. Jelonch ; 5. Ri. Arnold, 4. Ro. Arnold ; 3. Faumuina, 2. Marchand (cap.), 1. Baille.

Les remplaçants : 16. Mauvaka, 17. Ainu'u, 18. Meafou, 19. Flament, 20. Placines, 21. Germain, 22. Epee, 23. Aldegheri.

Castres are pretty much full strength.

Faumina back for ST but Cros gone, replaced by Placines, on the bench. Fouyssac had finally a good game last week and cold start to deliver. If he does, ST by 10.

I like your confidence given ST's recent form against CO.

[La soule]

Le XV de départ de Castres : 15. Dumora ; 14. Palis, 13. Combezou, 12. Botitu, 11. Nakosi ; 10. Urdapilleta, 9. Arata ; 7. Champion de Crespigny, 8. Ben-Nicholas, 6. Babillot (cap.) ; 5. Staniforth, 4. Vanverberghe ; 3. Hounkpatin, 2. Barlot, 1. Walcker.

Les remplaçants : 16. Ngauamo, 17. de Benedittis, 18. Jacquet, 19. Delaporte, 20. Fernandez, 21. Cocagi, 22. Zeghdar, 23. Chilachava.

V

Le XV de départ de Toulouse : 15. Ramos ; 14. Mallia, 13. Fouyssac, 12. Ahki, 11. Lebel ; 10. Ntamack, 9. Dupont ; 7. Elstadt, 8. Tolofua, 6. Jelonch ; 5. Ri. Arnold, 4. Ro. Arnold ; 3. Faumuina, 2. Marchand (cap.), 1. Baille.

Les remplaçants : 16. Mauvaka, 17. Ainu'u, 18. Meafou, 19. Flament, 20. Placines, 21. Germain, 22. Epee, 23. Aldegheri.

Castres are pretty much full strength.

Faumina back for ST but Cros gone, replaced by Placines, on the bench. Fouyssac had finally a good game last week and cold start to deliver. If he does, ST by 10.

I like your confidence given ST's recent form against CO.

ST are picking at the right time and I think that even if CO is at its most annoying self, ST will be a level up.

Well I hope so.

[Torquemada 1420]

I like your confidence given ST's recent form against CO.

ST are picking at the right time and I think that even if CO is at its most annoying self, ST will be a level up.

Well I hope so.

I have a feeling it's going to be a horrible watch.

[TheFrog]

I think it is difficult to rely on previous regular Top14 games to predict the outcome of a play-off.

Should be a tight game but Toulouse will prevail.

[Marylandolorian]

I think it is difficult to rely on previous regular Top14 games to predict the outcome of a play-off.

Should be a tight game but Toulouse will prevail.

Should prevail (on the paper) , will ? Not so sure

Last year against Bordeaux, even tho Seuteni got a red card at the 58’, they only won by 3 points.

[Torquemada 1420]

Hah. I forgot it was at a neutral ground.

[Torquemada 1420]

Usual T14 reffing as red card bottled against the big team.

[Tichtheid]

Just joined the game to see Arnold smack the Castres player square in the face.

I have no idea why that isn't a red card

[TheFrog]

Just joined the game to see Arnold smack the Castres player square in the face.

I have no idea why that isn't a red card

Toughen up. This is French rugby.

[Torquemada 1420]

Just joined the game to see Arnold smack the Castres player square in the face.

I have no idea why that isn't a red card

Because it's Toulouse against a minnow and T14 reffing is totally bent in such situations. Ref tried desperately to ignore it until it came up on the big screen.

[Torquemada 1420]

That has to be a another yellow against Toulouse.

[Torquemada 1420]

F**king ridiculous. Marchand should be redded for arguing with the ref. Instead, the ref agrees to go to the TMO. Who the f**k is reffing this game?

[TheFrog]

2 yellows already against Toulouse

[Tichtheid]

F**king ridiculous. Marchand should be redded for arguing with the ref. Instead, the ref agrees to go to the TMO. Who the f**k is reffing this game?

I don't like the law but I think the ref got that wrong, he played the arm first, not the ball

[Torquemada 1420]

Will they go back to Faumuina's head shot?