In Mayol, as part of Day 13 of the Top 14, RCT got to smile again against Stade Rochelle (25-23). Esteban Abadi allowed his team to stop the bad spiral of the Rouge et Noir (six defeats in the last seven matches). Ihaya West did not have a good day for the Maritime side as he returned to Mayol.
Tops
Esteban Abadi
The third wing line fielded by the French team to play this match was superb. As always, he shined on the sidelines. In the running game, he was decisive on a try by Ben White with an inspired relay into the opposition defense and a post-contact pass to Duncan Paiaaaaa. He is also the fur forward who has advanced the furthest (covered 46 metres). He was perfect in defense (6 successful tackles from 6 attempts). We almost forgot it was his return match.
Louis Penvern
The under-20 world champion celebrated his first start of the season. He was mostly up to standard, excelling in the game and particularly in the closed scrum. He was perfect on defense (10 successful tackles). He has a bright future, and this performance will allow him to grow.
Melvin Jaminet
Melvin Jaminet achieved 100% against the Poles this Saturday evening.
This is a funny match experienced by the international full-back. He can definitely do better in the run game and his travel kick game as well. He suffers from comparisons to Bryce Dulin, who was so close to achieving 50-22 seconds. On the other hand, Toulon bought him to win the match. In his role as a scorer, he was as cold as ice. The 7/7 writer against the Poles didn’t flinch as he converted the last penalty, 45 meters out, to give his side victory.
flops
Vaisa Nayakelevu
We are still a long way from the center of brilliance who charmed the Top 14 under the colors of Stade Française Paris. He has missed almost everything again, and has looked physically damaged since his return to the World Cup. He gained a meter in opposing defenses, and he can no longer play at the speed of Duncan Paiaaa. However, last season, they made a great pair.
West of Ihaia
Ihaia was back in West Toulon.
To return to Mayol, he was not glowing. La Rochelle didn’t weigh in on the attack, which came with a fairly minimal game plan. He got a direct touch at the end of the match which cost his team dearly. Against Hastoy and Rees in the hierarchy, New Zealand did not score points.
Remy Piquet
In the sea cage, he didn’t forget the great Will Skelton. He was rarely used as a ball carrier around the rucks, while La Rochelle did not want to play on the wings. He was porous in defense with two successful tackles and two missed tackles. He was sharply tackled by Ribbons, and replaced as he struggled to regain his composure. The epitome of this meeting: it’s a match to forget.
