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Toulouse beat Grenoble to go top, Toulon stun Stade with late rally
By Peter Thompson
Sofiane Guitoune claimed a double as Toulouse beat Grenoble 29-16 to take over as Top 14 leaders, while Toulon snatched victory over Stade Francais in an incredible finish on Sunday.
Clermont Auvergne's defeat at Castres on Saturday gave Toulouse the chance to replace them at the summit and the European Rugby Champions Cup quarter-finalists grasped their opportunity at Stade Ernest-Wallon.
Matthieu Ugalde twice put Grenoble in front from the tee, but Toulouse led 12-6 at the break after a converted Mathis Lebel's score added to Guitoune's opening try.
Ugalde was on target with a third penalty early in the second half before the home side clicked into gear, Guitoune and Clement Castets going over in a decisive six-minute spell.
Zack Holmes converted both scores and was also on target with a penalty, with Mike Tadjer scoring struggling Grenoble's only try right at the end as Toulouse secured a bonus-point win to go two clear at the top.
Toulon looked to be heading for a 10th defeat of a poor Top 14 season before producing a stunning late rally to defeat Stade 33-30 in a thriller.
The three-time European champions came roaring back in the closing stages, Louis Carbonel touching down three minutes from time and Filipo Nakosi scoring his second of a pulsating match at Stade Mayol to leave Heyneke Meyer's men shell-shocked.
Nicolas Sanchez scored 15 points and there was a try in each half for Hendre Stassen, but Stade slumped to a loss which leaves them in sixth spot.
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Latest Comments
The way Ratima has been treated he needs to look OS. Same with Perofeta and Love, Hothem too. Razor is a token coach. Gives debuts but very few mins. Also DM too. Just go earn millions elsewhere DM as all you get in NZ is bagging.
BB is coaches favourite and I say let him have BB right thru to the next 2 or maybe even 3 World cups.😁😁 Have JB outside him at 12...That just works so well.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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