La Rochelle without several executives to receive Toulouse
While the Toulouse have put some players to rest for the clash in La Rochelle on Saturday (9 p.m.), the Maritimes will also be deprived of a few major players. The match in Perpignan left its mark.
Stade Rochelais has not beaten Stade Toulousain since September 14, 2019. That is eight defeats in a row in official matches. To try to break this series, not having to face the Marchand, Jelonch, Flamand or Dupont, at rest or injured, is one thing. But being so diminished within his team is another. This is what happens to the men of Ronan O’Gara before receiving Toulouse this Saturday (9 p.m.). Because the victory in Perpignan (10-29) was expensive in terms of sores…
Danty absent for long weeks
We have known recently that Jonathan Danty (knee) will be absent from the field for long weeks. The three-quarter center, essential anchor of the La Rochelle attack, will be greatly missed by his teammates. But he is not the only one. Also affected on Saturday (ankle?), the giant second row Wil Skelton will miss the shock of this weekend. It is hoped, but without certainty, for the Champions Cup. Another executive already forfeited, New Zealand scrum-half Tawera Kerr-Barlow.
The former All Black injured his ankle. He was seen this week with the joint in a “gutter” and is expected to miss the next three weeks of competition. Finally, absent since the match in Ireland against Ulster for a tear in the pectoral muscle, the 3rd row Yoan Tanga will not be sufficiently recovered. After their victory in Perpignan, the Rochelais are third in the Top 14 standings, with 37 points. Toulouse leads with 49 points.