Top 14 – The duel of the day: Ange Capuozzo (Toulouse) – Anthony Bouthier (Montpellier), same position, different philosophy
TOP 14 – To close this sixteenth day of the championship, the last two champions of France, Toulouse and Montpellier, compete. In a match marked by the absentees because of the duplicates, a duel stands out: Ange Capuozzo, back receiver par excellence, against Anthony Bouthier and his mammoth kick.
Ange Capuozzo, the passion of youth
Ange Capuozzo needs no introduction. The young Italian fullback exploded last season, culminating in his masterful performance against Wales in a historic success. Since then everything has been linked very quickly for the former Grenoble. He signed for Stade Toulousain, continued to impress with his national team, with the added bonus of an unprecedented victory against Australia, and he was named international revelation of the year. At only 23 years old, the neo-Toulouse is a new hope for his country thanks to his quality of recovery. This small size with his fire support manages to move the defenses every time he has the ball in his hands.
For his last match in Toulouse before his departure for the 6 Nations Tournament with Italy, Ange Capuozzo will want to make a good impression. Especially since he will finally be able to be evaluated in his favorite position, an extremely rare occurrence since his arrival in the pink city.
Angel Capuozzo
Anthony Bouthier, the power of one foot combined with experience
The loser of the battle of the backs in the France team is indeed him. Basic man of the first Tournament of the Galthié era, Anthony Bouthier was gradually downgraded, to the detriment of Brice Dulin, then Thomas Ramos and finally Melvyn Jaminet. However, the Hérault rear is an asset that appeals to his coach: his footwork. Able to liberate his camp with crazy power, we still remember his kick against England, he is not only that. With experience, he is now 30 years old, the cistus player has learned to take more risks, getting the ball out more in his hand.
Key man in the conquest of the title of champion of France last year, Anthony Bouthier remains an indestructible in the workforce of Montpellier. With 18 game sheets, and as many starts, he has only missed two small games this season.
![Antoine Bouthier](https://images.rugbyrama.fr/api/v1/images/view/63d65ab66ce0b138fd1192d8/full/image.jpg?v=1)
Antoine Bouthier
Rugbyrama’s opinion
This opposition between the last two champions of France is marked by duplicates but can count on these two high-class individuals. Montpellier will want revenge for the first leg, after a defeat against a reshuffled Toulouse team. But at Ernest-Wallon, the mission is proving to be almost impossible this season, where only Stade Français has been able to avoid defeat. This Sunday evening, the partners of Ange Capuozzo had to enforce the hierarchy and dispose of the last winner of the Top 14, despite numerous absences.