Rugby not over in France yet!

Top 14 Final between Stade Toulousain & Clermont

Showing Live on SkySports: 7h30 pm on Saturday 15^th June 2019

Whilst the Gallagher Rugby Premier league concluded on 1^st June, nearly 2 weeks ago with a win for Saracens, will the same happen to Stade Toulousain, as they share the same team colour red and black?

Last week, le Stade Toulousain beat la Rochelle – 20-6 and it wasn’t a massive surprise, they seem to have been “un renouveau” a renewal in the team in the last 4 years thanks to newer players and new beliefs under Ugo Mola.

I’m very fond of Stade Toulousain despite the fact I’ve only been once to Stadium Ernest-Wallon when Saracens played against Stade Toulousain in January 2016 in the European Cup, and I’ve kept some excellent memories of the welcome from the supporters “Le Huit” from Stade Toulousain. We were wined and dined at their clubhouse before heading to the game with my Saracens friends and our new friends from Stade Toulousain, all carrying Red and black flags. Saracens won on that day and we spent the evening at the famous rugby bar of the former All Black, Byron Kelleher “Haka Corner”, who played for Toulouse. I recommend this place highly as Byron is a very welcoming host and his bar is a testament to Rugby.

Regarding Clermont, I’ve never been to stade Marcellin, but I’ve heard feedback about the passion and the fantastic atmosphere created by their supporters.  I was able to witness this when they played against Saracens in April 2014 at Twickenham (one of the best Saracens game I’ve had the chance to watch) and their mascot the famous tyre “Mr Michelin”.

The last time, that Toulouse won the top 14, which was in 2012, they were presented not with a cup, but a “bouclier”.

Stade Toulousain is the French club who has won the most titles, 19 overall, and are expected to be the favourites to win again.

Here are a few interesting facts that I picked up when listening to l’Equipe’s podcast from 10^th June 2019

• The last time Toulouse and Clermont met in a final was in 2000 and Toulouse won.
• Both teams have been very consistent and very solid throughout the season
• Both attacking with style and are strong in defense.
• Toulouse was very strong defensively against La Rochelle and the latter were unable to score a single try
• Clermont really wants to win!! They even trained during their summer break
• Clermont were champions in 2017
• BUT………….
• Toulouse is favourite to win.

We will see soon which team will lift the trophy which is a shield is called “Le Bouclier de Brennus”

It will certainly be an enthralling game to watch and the passion will be felt from both sides.

Allez les Rouges et noirs!

Veronique

 

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