1
Toulouse fight back for thrilling draw at Clermont
By Russell Greaves
Top 14 leaders Clermont Auvergne were stunned by a thrilling Toulouse comeback as the division's top two shared a 20-20 draw.
Franck Azema's side boasted a 17-3 half-time lead but contrived to throw away that advantage as the spoils were shared at the Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin.
First-half tries from Apisai Naqalevu and Peter Betham helped put the hosts into a commanding position at the break.
But a Greig Laidlaw penalty was all they had to show for their second-half efforts, as Matthis Lebel and Romain Ntamack touched down for Ugo Mola's men.
It was left to Thomas Ramos to kick a last-gasp penalty to earn a memorable draw for Toulouse, but their celebrations were somewhat dampened by a serious-looking leg injury for Selevasio Tolofua.
In the other game of the day, Bordeaux-Begles overcame the first-half dismissal of Mahamadou Diaby to beat reigning champions Castres 32-13 and climb to fifth.
It represents a second consecutive home loss for Castres in the competition, after they fell to defeat against Agen at the start of the month.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
David Campese names his Springbok world player of the year winner
3
Let's be real about these All Blacks
4
Why World Cup winner doesn’t blame All Black for leaving New Zealand
5
Latest Comments
It 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).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
Go to comments