DÉCRYPTAGE – After Racing 92’s victory in the derby against Stade Français Paris (47-20), Sunday evening in the closing match of the 21st day of the Top 14, discover what pleased… and displeased the Figaro editorial staff.
TOPS
Spring, the spring lightning
Fullback Max Spring was the standout player in his team’s success on Sunday evening in the derby against Stade Francais (47-20). The Racing captain scored the first two tries (7th, 36th) for the Sky and White team in this match, with the second one coming from a solo run. The number 15 from Paris finished the game with five defenders beaten, three breakthroughs, and over 70 meters gained while holding the ball. An impressive performance.
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Gibert and Carbonneau, the masterful halfbacks
Fly-half Antoine Gibert almost single-handedly scored half of his team’s points. With 20 points scored from his magical boot, crucial in Racing’s vital success. A 100% success rate that came at the right time. The number 10 for the Sky and White team will need to produce more performances like this in the remaining season to help his teammates secure a spot in the top six for the finals. Otherwise, it will be challenging without him.
On the other side, the scrum-half also delivered a solid performance. With a 50-22 kick in the first half, beating three defenders and an exceptional penalty kick from 60 meters, the number 9 was involved in all the right plays. Despite some areas for improvement, especially with certain poorly adjusted passes, his contribution to Racing’s victory was undeniable.
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The warrior Melikidze
Giorgi Melikidze loves the capital’s derbies. Already decisive in the first match with a late try, the Georgian prop replicated his success against Racing by powering over for his team’s first try half an hour into the game. The Parisian player did not give up, as he was stopped just a few centimeters short of Racing’s try line in the preceding play. Always in the forefront of the combat zones, the number 3 from Stade Français did not hesitate to deliver. His bruised face at the final whistle speaks volumes. True to his reputation, he also dominated in the closed mauls and finished the match with six completed tackles. A colossal performance.
A crucial success and bonus points for Racing
With just five minutes left to score one final try for a bonus point, Patrice Collazo’s men did not back down and saw their powerful French international second-row Romain Taofifenua power over for their last try before the final whistle. A conquering mindset that demonstrates Racing’s sovereignty on their home turf. They remain undefeated this season in Nanterre, and it’s great timing: the Sky and White team will play three out of the last five matches at home, facing La Rochelle and Toulon consecutively, both direct contenders for the finals. Exciting times ahead. Thanks to this victory against Paris, Patrice Collazo’s players are back in the race for the playoffs. They climb to seventh position from ninth at kickoff, just two points behind Clermont in sixth with 57 points. A very successful operation.
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FLOPS
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Paris lacking strength
For this derby, Paul Gustard decided to overhaul his team by benching several key players, like Barr, Carbonel, Peyresblanques, Tanga, and Kerr-Barlow. But… why? That is the question. The Parisian team, currently in fourth place with 59 points, are not yet guaranteed a top-six finish and had the opportunity on Sunday to almost eliminate their perennial rivals from the playoffs. Instead, the Roses rejuvenated the Racing team, who are now just five points behind them… Incomprehensible. If there was a big loser in this 21st day, it was indeed Stade Français. Clearly.
Abadie turned upside down
A dreadful performance from the Parisian substitute scrum-half. While Tawera Kerr-Barlow started on the bench, his coach Morgan Parra wasted no time bringing in the usual starter from New Zealand for the second half – with no better results. Right from the start, Paul Abadie completely missed his first two kicks in his 22-meter area, each time blocked by a Racing player, especially the second one near his try line… Lacking inspiration in clearing the rucks and game play, the 31-year-old player was simply catastrophic.
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Hughes dismal
Once a driving force for his team this season, Nathan Hughes was instead a liability for Racing in this derby. First, he was yellow-carded for an illegal play on a Parisian maul thirty minutes into the game, leaving his team shorthanded for Stade Français’ advantage. Later, after the break, the number 8 arrived late in another kicking play and conceded another penalty for foul play. It was too much for Patrice Collazo, who decided to replace his player promptly.
While defensively sound with nine successful tackles in the match, his impact with the ball in hand was not as sharp as usual. And most importantly, the 35-year-old Racing man received warnings on too many occasions. To the extent that it wouldn’t have been surprising if Mr. Cayre had decided to send him off… Already featuring in twenty Top 14 matches, the Englishman seems to be feeling the physical toll more and more. It would be a concern if he becomes a burden for his team in the run-up to the playoffs.
A less glorious derby
To say that we have seen better Parisian derbies would be an understatement. However, on this occasion, the 80 minutes certainly resembled more of a rugby mush than a true clash between Racing and Stade Français. Three yellow cards, a cascade of errors, 25 penalties conceded throughout the match… It was ugly. And long.
