Faraj Benlahoucine, Media365: published on Sunday September 26, 2021 at 19:51

The 4th episode of Top 14 ends this Sunday with a nice fireworks display with the Toulouse-Clermont poster (9 p.m.). We reveal some of the keys to this five-star meeting.

Reigning European and French champion, Stade Toulousain has started the defense of its French title perfectly with three victories in as many outings at the start of the season. Leader even before playing the closing match of the 4th chapter of Top 14 at home against Clermont, the club of the Pink City can fly five, even six lengths from its runner-up in the standings, Racing 92, in the event of victory this Sunday. However, the task does not look easy at all against a XV of the Volcanoes full of talent in all positions. What are the keys and strategic areas that determine which side the equilibrium is separated from?

The hinge and the footwork

Obviously, the key pieces in management positions will weigh enormously. In the stadian ranks, the two French internationals Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack seem to have a head start on the duo Sébastien Bézy – Camille Lopez. Although the Auvergne meeting represents one of the best in the championship, their Toulouse counterparts regularly declare themselves to be more decisive on an individual level and are capable of changing the course of a meeting at any time. And if the game at the foot of Lopez remains unparalleled, the red and black hinge will be relieved of the burden of the goal, attributed to the back Thomas Ramos. Less pressure and full focus on directing operations.

The center of the field

Ugo Mola lined up Pita Ahki and Zack Holmes in the center, a complementary duo. Opposite, there is more talent with the neo-international tricolor Tani Vili and the excellent Damian Penaud, moved from the right wing to find his first love. A rare but explosive alloy with the power and panache of the first city and the space-devouring feline side of the son of the former Blues opener Alain Penaud. However, the two Jaunards have never played together in an official match and a first for a competitor such as Stade Toulousain is not a gift.

The 3rd line

With three French internationals at kickoff with Anthony Jelonch, François Cros and Selevasio Tolofua, Toulouse is armed. The latter, omnipresent in the game, enjoys a certain freedom as his two acolytes cut down an enormous volume of work in the battle of the rucks and on the defensive level. However, they obtain a beautiful duel to challenge against the promising Alexandre Fischer and Peceli Yato, whose power and activity are most formidable. The experienced Fritz Lee, always so rough in the fight, will chaperone his two partners from his position of 3rd center line.

The conquest

Rugby starts in front and if the conquest fails, the team has no ammunition. In melee, Stade Toulousain has serious arguments with the number one of the XV of France at their posts, Cyril Baille and Julien Marchand in the front line. If he will be a replacement this Sunday, the incumbent, Peato Mauvaka, is also international. The Jaunards, for their part, deplore the absence of Rabah Slimani. However, the pillars Cristian Ojovan and Peni Ravai remain sure values ​​of the championship. As for the sidelines, the Rory Arnold control tower should once again bring a real harvest to the Reds and Blacks. Be careful, however, to the experience and science of this game launch of the two experienced Sébastien Vahaamahina and Paul Jedrasiak, both holders in 2nd row at Clermont.