Ange Capuzzo And Paolo Garbisi chasing their second French champions title, respectively with the Stadium Toulosain and the Toulon. They are the only two Italians left in the running in the championship play-offs French Top 14, after the end of the regular season. He even narrowly missed it Loris Zarantonello, newly called up for Italy ahead of the summer tour. The 23-year-old hooker saw his Castres finish sixth on equal points (62) with Racing Parigi, but eliminated due to points difference. In the last round, the defensive bonus point won by Racing in the 24-19 defeat against La Rochelle was decisive, combined with the offensive one not won by Castres in the 28-17 victory (3 tries) at Avironne Bayonnaise. Finishing tied and Racing qualified by +76 compared to Castres’ +1 in points difference.
Play-off matches
The final ranking of the top six teams sees these positions: Toulouse 76 points, Stade Francais 75, Beglès Bordeaux 69, Toulon 69 (+115 points difference), La Rochelle 66 (+99), Rancing 62. Based on the placement Toulouse and Stade Français go straight to the semifinals. The other four will compete in the barrage which is Saturday 15 June at 9pm Toulon-Stade Rochelais; Sunday 16 June at 9pm Beglès Bordeaux-Racing Paris. The winner of Toulon-Stade Rochelais will challenge Toulouse on Friday 21 June at 8pm, and here there will be the possible Italian derby Capuozzo-Garbisi. The winner of Bordeaux-Racing will challenge Stade Francais on Saturday 22 June at 9pm. The final will be played in Paris on Friday 28 June at 9pm.
The Azzurri in the last round
On the 26th and final day the third line David Odiase on the pitch from the 52nd minute for Phoenix Battye in the already relegated Oyonnax who lost 40-7 at Bordeaux. In Lyon’s 40-28 victory over Toulouse (he fielded many reserves as he was already confident of the lead) 80′ per Monty Ioane on the wing and entry in the 66th minute for the scrum half Martin Page Relo. Ange Capuozzo on the pitch for 80′ as a fullback and scoring a goal for Toulouse. In Toulon’s 23-20 defeat against Stade Francais Paolo Garbisi on the pitch from the 49th minute to the opener in place of Enzo Herve. Finally in Perpignan’s 36-24 defeat against Pau Pietro Ceccarelli starter at right prop for 70′.
Promotions and relegations
Promoted to Top 14 The Vannes who beat Grenoble 16-9 in the final, became ProD2 champion and brought a team from Brittany to the top French championship for the first time in history. Gronoble has the chance to make up for it on Sunday 16 June in the play-off with Montpellier, second to last in the Top 14. Whoever wins plays in the Top 14 of the next season, who loses in ProD2. Finally, the French Espoirs title was awarded, which Toulouse won by beating Castres 26-17 in the final, repeating last season’s victory.
