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Kyle Sinckler makes dream start to life in Top 14
By Josh Raisey
Toulon's Kyle Sinckler has made a great start to his life in the Top 14, making Midi Olympique's team of the week for the third week in a row.
The 31-year-old has now made the team in three of the opening four weeks of the season, earning his place this week after his side Toulon triumphed over Top 14 newcomers Vannes 54-19 on Saturday.
Toulon's meeting with Vannes at the Stade Mayol was expected to be a clash between two England props, with Sinckler going head-to-head with his former teammate Mako Vunipola, who has made an equally bright start to his career in France. The former Saracens star, however, missed the encounter.
Despite only being on the field for an hour, the Toulon tighthead completed 13 tackles, which was only bettered by one player on the field, France flanker Charles Ollivon.
Not only has it been a strong start for Sinckler personally, but the three-time European champions sit in third place in the Top 14, level on points with Bordeaux-Begles and Toulouse at the summit.
Sinckelr was joined by one other Englishman in the team, Pau's Joe Simmonds, who scored 15 points in his side's 30-16 win over Stade Francais.
The 68-cap prop recently opened up on the differences between the Top 14 and English rugby in an interview with l'Equipe in France.
"In France, there is more pressure in the connections, I have to adapt to it," he said.
"The spirit of the scrum is very different here. From the commands "flexion", "liez", "jouer". If I switch early, too hard, I risk arriving at the end of the race at impact, devoid of power. I am still in the adjustment phase.
"In Toulon, the scrum is a story of life and death, it's exhilarating. In England, we are more analytical. Here, the scrum, we put emotions into it. It's a whole city and a region that vibrates. In Toulon you feel like a gladiator. I love it!"
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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