Toulouse. Stadium: the trial that is not necessary
For three weeks, listening to the little music. Without understanding it. What are we talking about ? Of this little music that certain followers of the Top 14: consultants or journalists. And of this expression “to win ugly” which appeared to qualify the performances of the Stade Toulousain since the beginning of the season. Of course, the Stadium has registered more zero-pass tries than twenty-pass tries. But to tell the truth, which team currently combines won match and manner? Not La Rochelle and its rugby too frontal. Not Racing and Bordeaux on alternating current. Besides, what is the way? This question should moreover be the subject of another debate.
To stay on the subject of the day, yes the Stadium does not score a hundred-meter tries each time the Top 14 starts. Yes, it is its forwards that make the difference as soon as the first ones start to appear. So, isn’t that rugby too?
Of course, there is reason to get carried away on an uncertain pass. Or a pass at the foot of Ntamack which was not necessary when there is a surplus in the hand. But these are bad choices at any given time. And not a state of mind. The intention is there. And that is the main point. The first sorrows are the players and the staff who also vibrate for this game and work for a general development (players and spectators). In the meantime, Toulouse has managed to make an exceptional start to the season. Six successes in as many matches and 13 points ahead (or about three successes) on the first unqualified.
In fact, by being accused of winning ugly, the stadium is still overtaken by the degree of requirement. Not only, he must assume his status of double reigning champion which obliges him to win again and again; and in addition, he must be faithful to his legend in terms of game. As a prisoner of his adage “Game of hands, game of Toulouse”.
For his demanding public of Ernest-Wallon (especially a certain generation), but also for viewers who, when they sit down in their armchairs, think they have paid for a show.
But reducing the Stade’s current victories to a “lousy win” looks like an unnecessary trial.