The Catalans Dragons dominate Toulouse in the first French Super League derby
The first times are rarely spectacular. And the first “French derby” in the history of the Super League was no exception to the rule. Tension, stamps, indiscipline, a rain of cards (two yellow and one red), the meeting between the Catalans Dragons and Toulouse will have kept its promises in terms of commitment if not to mark the spirits by the game to propose. Solid in defense and above all more realistic despite many approximations, the Perpignanais took the best against Toulouse (18-10), Thursday evening, at the start of the eighth day of the Championship.
Reduced to twelve in the 51st minute, after the exclusion of Joe Chan, for a dangerous tackle on Maxime Stefani, the Dragons however managed to maintain their lead drawn in the first period thanks to a double from winger Fouad Yaha (7th, 32nd) and a realization of this same Joe Chan, after a race inspired by Mike McMeeken (27th).
Opposite, the promoted Toulouse hoped for a long time, returning to the score just before the break thanks to a try from Guy Armitage (14-6). But indiscipline – two yellow cards, Russell 31st and Pélissier 41st – and above all the huge waste in the finish will have prevented Tony Gigot’s partners from overthrowing the Dragons.
“We have to be much more clinical”
Led 18-6 after a try from Matt Whitley on the way back from the locker room, the Toulouse people thought they would cast doubt on the Catalans when Matthew Russell found the fault, resisting two opponents on his wing (18-10, 52nd), but Successions of bad choices and dross in the last gesture or when flattening will have finally got the better of their hopes, despite the numerical superiority. “We are disappointed, disappointed with our management, with all the missed opportunities, it costs us very dearly, regrets TO coach Sylvain Houles. We have to be much more clinical. »
Toulouse therefore remains stuck in last place in the standings while the Dragons react without manner after the loss conceded in the Cup against St Helens on Saturday (20-36). “Since the start of the season, we have struggled to finish our matches, to press where it hurts, but even by being average, we manage to be at the top of the table, we have a huge margin for improvement, and that it is that it is necessary to retain »points out the captain of the Dracs Benjamin Garcia.
After this physical, tough match, marked by numerous injuries, including the exit of Catalan pillar Mike McMeeken with his arms in a sling, the two teams have very little time to breathe and get back on their feet. From Monday, the Dragons move to Salford while the Toulouse continue with the reception of Hull KR.