We had to wait until the last minute before knowing the result of a Top 14 final with twists and turns, at the Stade de France, Saturday, June 17. Finally, it is the Toulousain stadium that lifts the shield of Brennus, after his victory against the Rochelais stadium (29-26), thanks to an incredible try by Romain Ntamack in the 78th minute and after a race of 60 meters .
Less than three months from the World Cup-2023, the Toulousains recover their crown of kings of France, abandoned in Montpellier for a season. The Rouge et Noir, who scored two tries by Santiago Chocobares (23rd) and Romain Ntamack (78th), have not lost in the Top 14 final since 2006.
But the Toulousains doubted a lot, allowing the Rochelais to go ahead from 13-3 to 13-20. Then they had to wait for the hour mark to regain control of the score thanks to a new penalty from Thomas Ramos (63rd). The Rochelais still led 26-22 until the victorious breakthrough of Ntamack. Above all, they withstood the impressive physical challenge imposed by Grégory Alldritt’s teammates. If they rocked a little, the Toulouse people held the helm to get this twenty-second title, the sixth since 2006.
They also took advantage of the clumsiness of the opposing scorer, Antoine Hastoy, who left nine points on the way.
Julien Marchand, Stade Toulousain hooker, highlighted La Rochelle’s performance: “We almost couldn’t believe it at the end, and then there was a stroke of genius from Romain [Ntamack]. Congratulations to them because they delivered a very big game. We were undisciplined and we almost paid for it. It is the discipline that is very important. Congratulations again to them because they were very, very strong, they had a very good season, they have to be congratulated.”
Opposite, frustration prevails: “It’s hard. We are fine, we are in our plan for 76 or 77 minutes. And then there you have it, a lack of connection in our defence. Me, I missed points on the foot too. It’s hard to see scenes of joy on the other side when you know the sacrifices we’ve made. Kudos to them. We are going to leave strong because the club deserves this shield [from Brennus] ”, admitted Antoine Hastoy, opener from La Rochelle.
After their second Champions Cup victory, the Maritimes therefore lost their second Top 14 final after 2021 and are still chasing a first national title.
