Top 14 Round 4: The End of Invincibility and a Champion’s Resurgence

Lyon`s Fall from Grace: Pau Delivers a Stunning Blow

Perhaps the most seismic shift of the round came from the Parc des Sports d`Hameau, where Section Paloise, commonly known as Pau, delivered a resounding performance against Lyon. The `Wolves,` who had enjoyed an unblemished start to their campaign, were not merely defeated; they were emphatically dismantled. Pau`s disciplined assault saw them rack up 20 points in each half, while Lyon, in a rare display of impotence, failed to cross the try-line even once. The final score of Pau 40:15 Lyon wasn`t just a loss; it was a clear declaration that in the Top 14, no team is safe, no matter their early season form. The aura of invincibility around Lyon has, for now, evaporated into the Pyrenean air.

Toulouse`s Masterclass: Champions Assert Their Dominance

While one giant stumbled, another asserted its reigning power. Toulouse, the defending champions, showcased why they hold that title with a commanding 59:12 victory over Castres. After a competitive first half, Toulouse unleashed a relentless torrent of 40 unanswered points in the second, turning a respectable contest into a masterclass. The standout performance came from hooker Guillaume Cramont, who completed a hat-trick before the break – a remarkable feat for any forward, let alone within 40 minutes. Not to be outdone, No. 8 Théo Ntamack and winger Maxime Lebel each contributed a brace of tries, highlighting the depth and attacking prowess that makes Toulouse such a formidable opponent. This wasn`t just a win; it was a statement of intent.

The Great Escape of Montpellier: A Point Earned, or Two Lost?

In a match that served as a microcosm of Top 14`s unpredictable drama, Montpellier found themselves on the brink of an unexpected defeat against Montauban. Trailing by a significant margin, the champions from not so long ago dug deep, avoiding a loss with a dramatic 22:22 draw secured in the dying seconds. One might say they “snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat,” which, depending on your perspective, could be seen as either a valiant comeback or a deeply concerning near-miss against a team they would expect to beat comfortably. Such moments, however, are what make French rugby compelling – even the top teams are rarely given an easy ride.

Other Notable Encounters: Shifting Dynamics Across France

Elsewhere, the round offered its usual blend of tactical battles and attacking flair, further highlighting the competitive nature of the Top 14:

• La Rochelle 31:8 Perpignan: Perpignan started brightly, leading 8-7 at halftime, only to concede 24 unanswered points in the second half, demonstrating the unforgiving nature of the league.
• Racing 92 43:31 Clermont: A high-scoring spectacle where Racing 92 emerged victorious in a game that favored attacking play.
• Stade Français 28:7 Bordeaux: Bordeaux`s woes continued, suffering their second consecutive defeat at the hands of Stade Français, signaling a potential rough patch for a team with high aspirations.
• Bayonne 35:32 Toulon: In a nail-biting finish, Bayonne clinched a narrow victory over Toulon, with Joris Segonds` 79th-minute penalty proving to be the decisive kick.

League Implications: A Table Without Perfection

With the dust settled on Round 4, the Top 14 table now reflects a landscape without perfect records, emphasizing parity and the sheer challenge of maintaining consistency. Teams like Toulouse have solidified their positions, while others like Lyon now face the task of regrouping after their initial momentum was stalled. The mid-table scramble remains as intense as ever, with every point vital in the marathon that is the Top 14 season.