French Top 14 round six: Racing Metro dominates La Rochelle
Racing Metro controled the game the entire way, as they downed La Rochelle at home in Colombes over the weekend.
Racing Metro was the better of the two sides in Stade Olympique Yves-du-Manoir in round six against La Rochelle. Metro was able to get off to a strong start and took a 12 point lead into halftime. After the break they continued to press on offence adding
to their lead with another three tries, taking a convincing 43-18 win.
Recap
Racing got on the board first with a penalty from fly-half Juan Martin Hernandez in the fifth minute to give the home side a quick 3-0 advantage.
The eleventh minute saw Sireli Bobo dart over the line for Racing, however before the clock could tick over to 12 La Rochelle’s full-back Benjamin Dambielle kicked a penalty, making the score 8-3.
Hernandez and Dambielle then exchanged penalties to transform the score to 11-6 by the 25th minute.
Racing made their way over the try line for a second time in the 36th minute courtesy of centre Mirco Bergamasco. Wisniewski was able to hammer through the conversion and the home side extended their lead to 18-6 heading into halftime.
After the break La Rochelle responded with a try of their own, from winger Florian Ninard in the 47th minute. Sebastien Boboul was able to knock through the conversion and cut the lead to 18-13.
Wisniewski built the lead back up with two penalties in the 56th and 58th minutes respectively.
La Rochelle struck back with their second try of the game, this time from Norman Ligairi in the 65th minute. The score cut the lead to 24-18.
However, that would be all La Rochelle could muster as Racing added three more tries and two more Wisniewski conversions to finish the match with an impressive 43-18 score line.
Analysis
With the win Racing Metro managed to push their way to second place in the table. Metro has a very strong offence but has been suspect on defence, allowing two tries against a 2-4 La Rochelle side. If they hope to remain at the top of the standings they
will have to adjust their game on the defensive side of the ball.
La Rochelle continues to keep their head just above water, sitting only three points out of last place and relegation. They have allowed the second most points in the League and will also need to improve their defensive game if they hope to remain in the
Top 14 next season.
Tags: