Four matches were on the multiplex program this Saturday of the 9th day of Top 14. UBB won its second match of the season away on the Castres pitch (26-28). Clermont won away while Bayonne and Pau dominated Montauban and Perpignan.
Toulon opened the ball with a demonstration at Mayol against LOU (54-21) this Saturday while waiting to see its opponents fight for the top 5. The leaders responded like the Union Bordeaux Bègles. Already victorious on the pitch in Perpignan during the 7th day, UBB achieved its second away success of the season. Buros’s try (40th) at the end of the first period allowed the Girondins to take the lead and respond to the Castres’ try (Guérois, 26th). Only Carbery’s kick (two penalties) had given UBB the first points.
Ahead at the break (7-13), Bru’s men resisted when the CO stepped on the accelerator with two tries (Hulleu 43rd, Arata 54th) at the start of the second half. Confident of its strength, the UBB insisted and responded to each assault on the premises. Gazzotti (45th), Tameifuna (61st) and Sa (66th) broke through the Tarn defense to take up to nine points in advance. Hulleu’s try after the siren will give the CO a defensive point, but the UBB confirms its current good form with a runner-up place behind Pau.
Castres – UBB: 26-28
Pau provisional leader, Clermont confirms
The second away success of this 9th day is to the credit of Clermont. After its overwhelming victory against CO last week (63-14), the Auvergnats traveled to Montpellier. The kicking game was the attraction of the day at the Septeo Stadium with three penalties from Plummer (17th, 56th, 68th) out of the four attempted. The New Zealand opener offered the Clermontois a short success, while Montpellier never managed to settle into the opposing camp. A denied try to Tambwe at the end of the first period and a penalty on Vincent’s post at the very end of the match did not allow MHR to win.
Montpellier – Clermont: 7-9
The Section Paloise won against the bottom of the championship, Perpignan. In crisis, USAP nevertheless scored its first point in the championship. Dominated a good part of the match, conceding two tries in the first half (Maddocks 17th, Arfeuil 36th), Perpignan came back under the leadership of Tuilagi. At 14 at the end of the match, USAP put pressure on the Section, imprecise and stammering in its rugby. A final scrum granted to the visitors, poorly negotiated, did not allow them to overtake the provisional leader of the Top 14 on the scoreboard.
Peace – Perpignan: 27-2
Bayonne curry Montauban
And 19 for Rowing to Jean Dauger! For the reception of the promoted, Bayonne did not give the Montalbanais any gifts. In the third minute, Martin launched his team with a first try. The hooker even scored a double before seeing Spring and Tuilagi increase the score to take the lead at the break (28-0). Well helped by the 100% at the foot of Segonds (6/6 against the poles) – the scorer came out limping at the hour mark – Bayonne obtained the offensive bonus thanks to its offensive festival (seven tries). Ahmed scored the only try for the visitors at the end of the match (76th).
Bayonne – Montauban: 49-7
