Top 14: Toulouse – UBB, a burning context
On top during their last clash at Chaban-Delmas (December 4) which saw UBB win (17-7) and take 1Dplace in the Top 14, the two clubs…
On top during their last clash at Chaban-Delmas (December 4) which saw UBB win (17-7) and take 1D place in the Top 14, the two clubs are looking for a second blow during this period of international doubles. Deprived of many elements, Stade Toulousain remains on a series of 6 defeats in a row (historic record) and has still not experienced victory in 2022. It fell from 2and at the 6and place and is only 3 points ahead of 7and (French Stadium). The situation of the UBB is less alarming. Still the leader, the Girondin club is feeling the pinch and is looking to recover after two consecutive defeats (in Toulon and against Racing 92), a first this season. Despite the many absences in its ranks, the UBB must react or risk seeing its mattress deflate (5 points ahead of the 2and7 out of 3and15 out of 7and).
A budding rivalry
The Toulousains and the Bordelais faced each other four times last season, including two in the semi-finals (Top 14, Champions Cup). Each time, it turned to the advantage of the Red and Black. The two flagship clubs of the greater South West have begun to build a small rivalry. On one side, the Stade Toulousain, richest record of French rugby, champion of France and European champion in title. On the other, the UBB, a young entity (created in 2006) climbed to the Top 14 in 2011, which was able to climb the hierarchy and taste its first final stages last year, which only ‘develops its ambitions. The rivalry between the two clubs is exacerbated by the antagonism between the two managers, Ugo Mola and Christophe Urios, accustomed to getting warmed up by the media. The situation of the two clubs makes this Toulouse – UBB even more burning.
A curse to break
The UBB is still looking for a first victory on the ground of Toulouse. In 11 confrontations (in all competitions), it has been beaten 10 times and has never done better than a draw (2016). If they have sometimes returned with their suitcases full, the Girondins have often touched victory with their fingertips, seeing their hopes fly away on strokes of fate (3 defeats by one point, 5 defensive bonuses), like the famous failed defeat of Lionel Beauxis in 2015 (23-22), depriving the UBB of qualification, or that of Matthieu Jalibert in 2017 (38-37), after the remarkable performance of a young Girondin guard that all the world seen largely battered before kick-off. This Sunday, Christophe Urios’ men will return to Ernest-Wallon for the first time since the Champions Cup semi-final last May (21-9).