Latest news with #Ntamack
Kuwait Times
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Kuwait Times
Toulouse hold off Bayonne to reach Top 14 final
RHONE: Toulouse's French prop Cyril Baille (center) is tackled during the French Top14 semi-final rugby union match between Stade Toulousain Rugby (Toulouse) and Aviron Bayonnais (Bayonne) at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Decines-Charpieu on June 20, 2025. - AFP DECINES-CHARPIEU: Defending champions Toulouse held off Bayonne 32-25 on Friday to advance to the final of the Top 14 where they will play the winners of the second semi-final between Bordeaux-Begles and Toulon. Toulouse scored two tries through half-backs Romain Ntamack and Paul Graou, while full-back Thomas Ramos kicked 22 points. But Ugo Mola's side were pushed hard in the sweltering Lyon heat, failing to erase the doubts of their 35-18 defeat in the Champions Cup semi-finals against Bordeaux-Begles in early May. Bordeaux-Begles face Toulon in Saturday's second semi-final. Bayonne, playing their first semi-final since 1983, were only trailing 20-15 at halftime but buckled in the second half. 'In this type of match, Toulouse often comes out on top because they have the experience,' said Bayonne coach Gregory Patat. 'They controlled the game at their own pace, with their own know-how. 'We should have scored a few more to get back into the game, to see where they (Toulouse) really stand.' A succession of injuries in the last few months to Antoine Dupont, Peato Mauvaka, Blair Kinghorn, who returned on Friday night, and Ange Capuozzo, had raised Toulouse concerns but they came through to stamp their ticket for next week's final at the Stade de France. 'Regarding commitment, and certainly what I needed answers on, we got answers,' said Mola. 'We were there. And we hadn't really hit the ground running for two months.' Two-time defending champions and already qualified for the semi-finals several weeks ago, Toulouse had delivered several poor performances in recent weeks, including a defeat to Perpignan on the final day of the regular season. 'This match was choppy, with a lack of rhythm, small mistakes, and minor errors that put us in a bit of difficulty,' Mola acknowledged. 'It was a tough and Mola was left frustrated by the pileup of penalties conceded by his team, which Bayonne fly-half Joris Segonds took advantage of to keep his side in the game, scoring 18 points in total. Former Stade Français fly-half Segonds gave his team an early lead 6-3 after 10 minutes. But the reigning French champions fronted up physically and produced flashes of brilliance, with Argentinean Juan Cruz Mallia finding a gap for Ntamack to touch down his third try in three matches. Bayonne were opportunistic but struggled to put Toulouse under any real pressure in their own half. Ntamack set up Graou for Toulouse's second try after 31 minutes. Segonds' six penalties kept Bayonne in touch but they were always playing catch-up. — AFP Ramos punished the Basques with the boot taking Toulouse out to a 32-18 lead before Lucas Martin's consolation try for Bayonne in the final minute. 'We saw a team that was used to controlling this type of match,' said Patat of Toulouse who were playing in their sixth consecutive semi-final. 'A match like this is significant,' added Bayonne's former France fly-half Camille Lopez after his final match with the club. 'It allowed us to gain experience. I hope the squad will build on this.' Toulouse are now angling for a fifth crown in seven seasons since the first title won by this generation in 2018-2019. The June 28 final at the Stade de France will be the 31st in Toulouse's storied history.- AFP
France 24
21-06-2025
- Sport
- France 24
Defending champions Toulouse hold off Bayonne to reach Top 14 final
Toulouse scored two tries through half-backs Romain Ntamack and Paul Graou, while full-back Thomas Ramos kicked 22 points. But Ugo Mola's side were pushed hard in the sweltering Lyon heat, failing to erase the doubts of their 35-18 defeat in the Champions Cup semi-finals against Bordeaux-Begles in early May. Bordeaux-Begles face Toulon in Saturday's second semi-final. Bayonne, playing their first semi-final since 1983, were only trailing 20-15 at halftime but buckled in the second half. "In this type of match, Toulouse often comes out on top because they have the experience," said Bayonne coach Gregory Patat. "They controlled the game at their own pace, with their own know-how. "We should have scored a few more to get back into the game, to see where they (Toulouse) really stand." A succession of injuries in the last few months to Antoine Dupont, Peato Mauvaka, Blair Kinghorn, who returned on Friday night, and Ange Capuozzo, had raised Toulouse concerns but they came through to stamp their ticket for next week's final at the Stade de France. "Regarding commitment, and certainly what I needed answers on, we got answers," said Mola. "We were there. And we hadn't really hit the ground running for two months." Two-time defending champions and already qualified for the semi-finals several weeks ago, Toulouse had delivered several poor performances in recent weeks, including a defeat to Perpignan on the final day of the regular season. "This match was choppy, with a lack of rhythm, small mistakes, and minor errors that put us in a bit of difficulty," Mola acknowledged. "It was a tough and physically demanding match." Indiscipline Mola was left frustrated by the pileup of penalties conceded by his team, which Bayonne fly-half Joris Segonds took advantage of to keep his side in the game, scoring 18 points in total. Former Stade Français fly-half Segonds gave his team an early lead 6-3 after 10 minutes. But the reigning French champions fronted up physically and produced flashes of brilliance, with Argentinian Juan Cruz Mallia finding a gap for Ntamack to touch down his third try in three matches. Bayonne were opportunistic but struggled to put Toulouse under any real pressure in their own half. Ntamack set up Graou for Toulouse's second try after 31 minutes. Segonds' six penalties kept Bayonne in touch but they were always playing catch-up. Ramos punished the Basques with the boot taking Toulouse out to a 32-18 lead before Lucas Martin's consolation try for Bayonne in the final minute. "We saw a team that was used to controlling this type of match," said Patat of Toulouse who were playing in their sixth consecutive semi-final. "A match like this is significant," added Bayonne's former France fly-half Camille Lopez after his final match with the club. "It allowed us to gain experience. I hope the squad will build on this." Toulouse are now angling for a fifth crown in seven seasons since the first title won by this generation in 2018-2019. The June 28 final at the Stade de France will be the 31st in Toulouse's storied history.
Telegraph
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
The ‘accidental' Irish coach behind Bordeaux's freewheeling backline
An aptitude for working with youngsters has helped. Bielle-Biarrey, he of 31 tries in 27 appearances this season, is just 21. Marko Gazzotti, an all-action back-rower, is a year younger. Yoram Moefana, 24, has become an 'undisputed starter' at centre for France after finding a new level of late. Alongside him for Bordeaux has been Nicolas Depoortère, 22. Watch out for teenager Jon Echegaray, who has four tries in five senior outings, too. McNamara remembers feeling relieved in 2019 when he was head coach of Ireland U20 because Jalibert had been whisked out of age-group action to represent France seniors. His replacement was Romain Ntamack. The point of the story is not just to underline the extraordinary depth in France, but to reinforce how Jalibert is still 26. Romain Buros, 'imperious' at full-back on Test debut against the All Blacks in November, has scope to progress at 27. 'Bordeaux and Northampton are open environments' Enjoyment is 'critical' to McNamara, with 'fun but never funny' one of his mantras. Yet the pain of last season, in the form of a horrible 59-3 loss to Toulouse in the Top 14 final and a surprise defeat by Harlequins in the Champions Cup, can be a stepping stone for Bordeaux. Ousting Saints, they know, will take another excellent performance. Game recognises game, and McNamara has developed a long-distance friendship with Sam Vesty. Both speak about using structured patterns to free runners into unstructured scenarios and McNamara sees similarities in the approaches of the Champions Cup finalists. 'I was in Durban watching Northampton in the Premiership and I liked how they adapted to different things,' he recalls. 'I believe that the attack should adapt to the defence; the defence gives you your attack. And Northampton are a team that do that really, really well. At the time, they were adapting really well to Saracens, who were among the best defensive teams in the world at the time, and I was intrigued. 'I knew Maurice Hartery, who'd been a teacher in Limerick and was working as Northampton's manager. I was keen to have a chat with Sam and Maurice put me in contact. We had a few video calls and had been talking about visiting one another over the course of this season. Bordeaux and Northampton are open environments. 'It's not that there are any secrets or that we're trying to protect things; everyone is incredibly open and happy to share ideas and concepts. Whatever happens this weekend, that will continue.' 'I get back to the farm as often as I can' While McNamara is 'very much connected' to Bordeaux, his own prospects are undeniably exciting. And whichever way his path turns, the family farm will remain an inspiration. His 81-year-old father, Denis, still works full days as a reminder of how 'you look after something that will look after you in future.' 'I love that idea about farming,' McNamara says. 'It's similar in rugby. I'd love to think that someday we'd go back. 'We have a little fruit garden in Gradignan and I love the concept for the kids. We still have cows at home on the farm and I try to get back there as often as I can. I find it very grounding. 'It was ingrained from a very young age; to have that work ethic and that passion in what you do. That's everything, you know?' Listening to McNamara leaves you in no doubt that enthusiasm and dedication are indeed everything. He has described himself as an 'accidental' coach, which may well have helped him become a highly accomplished and intuitive one.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Maestro' Jalibert holds keys to Bordeaux-Begles' Champions Cup hopes
Bordeaux-Begles' Matthieu Jalibert made his France debut as a teenager in 2018 with expectations of a big future for the fly-half, for club and country. Since then, he has been restricted to 22 Test starts due to a serious knee injury suffered on his Les Bleus bow and falling behind Romain Ntamack and Thomas Ramos in Fabien Galthie's pecking order. For Bordeaux-Begles however, he has played a crucial role in taking them to the top table of club rugby, with the culmination being this Saturday's Champions Cup final against Northampton. Their run to the decider in Cardiff included a superb semi-final performance from Jalibert as the club founded in 2006 put six-time champions Toulouse, and Ntamack, to the sword. "He was decisive against Toulouse," Castres head coach Xavier Sadourny told reporters after their loss to Bordeaux-Begles on Saturday. "It's nothing new but you get the impression since the semi-final against Toulouse he's full of confidence. "He also gives off that confidence to his team-mates. "He's a great player, who's there at the important moments, it's priceless." - 'No easy ride' - Despite Jalibert's impressive club form, his relationship with the national team has been fraught since his debut seven years ago. The 26-year-old was the first-choice fly-half during the 2023 Rugby World Cup with Ntamack injured but he has often been overlooked for the No 10 jersey by Galthie since then. Jalibert has come under criticism from supporters for his perceived weak defensive efforts and lack of leadership. He even left the French camp in November, citing mental health issues. "No one gives him an easy ride," Sadourny said. "People are hard on him but he's still here." His only France appearance in this year's Six Nations was a lacklustre performance during the defeat to England. He has been in red-hot form since that loss, scoring 74 points in nine club games. As well as the Toulouse win, the highlight was setting up half-back partner Maxime Lucu for a try and crossing for a sublime solo effort from 40m out against Castres last weekend. His performance led to him being on Monday's cover of specialist rugby newspaper Midi Olympique, who described him as a "maestro". "It's true that he's worked a lot on the aspects of his game that have been criticised," Bordeaux-Begles full-back Romain Buros said on Tuesday. "I don't have the statistics in my head but I don't think he's missed many tackles in recent weeks. "It's good for him and the squad. The fact that he works on things make him confident." Jalibert's ability to orchestrate Bordeaux-Begles' star-studded backline will have a big impact on the final outcome of this weekend's match. He is tasked with getting the best out of speedster wingers Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Damian Penaud as well as Buros, who have contributed a huge 45 tries for Bordeaux-Begles this season. "His performances speak for themselves, seeing he's in a good place mentally and on form," Buros said. "I hope he'll keep showing the standards he's been hitting this weekend." iwd/mw
France 24
21-05-2025
- Sport
- France 24
'Maestro' Jalibert holds keys to Bordeaux-Begles' Champions Cup hopes
Since then, he has been restricted to 22 Test starts due to a serious knee injury suffered on his Les Bleus bow and falling behind Romain Ntamack and Thomas Ramos in Fabien Galthie's pecking order. For Bordeaux-Begles however, he has played a crucial role in taking them to the top table of club rugby, with the culmination being this Saturday's Champions Cup final against Northampton. Their run to the decider in Cardiff included a superb semi-final performance from Jalibert as the club founded in 2006 put six-time champions Toulouse, and Ntamack, to the sword. "He was decisive against Toulouse," Castres head coach Xavier Sadourny told reporters after their loss to Bordeaux-Begles on Saturday. "It's nothing new but you get the impression since the semi-final against Toulouse he's full of confidence. "He also gives off that confidence to his team-mates. "He's a great player, who's there at the important moments, it's priceless." 'No easy ride' Despite Jalibert's impressive club form, his relationship with the national team has been fraught since his debut seven years ago. The 26-year-old was the first-choice fly-half during the 2023 Rugby World Cup with Ntamack injured but he has often been overlooked for the No 10 jersey by Galthie since then. Jalibert has come under criticism from supporters for his perceived weak defensive efforts and lack of leadership. He even left the French camp in November, citing mental health issues. "No one gives him an easy ride," Sadourny said. "People are hard on him but he's still here." His only France appearance in this year's Six Nations was a lacklustre performance during the defeat to England. He has been in red-hot form since that loss, scoring 74 points in nine club games. As well as the Toulouse win, the highlight was setting up half-back partner Maxime Lucu for a try and crossing for a sublime solo effort from 40m out against Castres last weekend. His performance led to him being on Monday's cover of specialist rugby newspaper Midi Olympique, who described him as a "maestro". "It's true that he's worked a lot on the aspects of his game that have been criticised," Bordeaux-Begles full-back Romain Buros said on Tuesday. "I don't have the statistics in my head but I don't think he's missed many tackles in recent weeks. "It's good for him and the squad. The fact that he works on things make him confident." Jalibert's ability to orchestrate Bordeaux-Begles' star-studded backline will have a big impact on the final outcome of this weekend's match. He is tasked with getting the best out of speedster wingers Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Damian Penaud as well as Buros, who have contributed a huge 45 tries for Bordeaux-Begles this season. "His performances speak for themselves, seeing he's in a good place mentally and on form," Buros said.
