The fourth round of the French Top 14 championship delivered a series of unexpected twists and turns, marking the end of all undefeated runs and ensuring a dynamic start to the season with no team left with a perfect record.
Lyon`s First Defeat and Toulouse`s Dominance
Lyon, previously the only team to maintain an unbeaten streak, suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Pau. The “Wolves” were thoroughly outplayed, conceding 20 points in each half and notably failing to register a single try in response.
Meanwhile, Toulouse capitalized on Lyon`s loss, showcasing a formidable performance against Castres. The reigning champions demonstrated their class by overwhelming Castres in the second half, scoring an impressive 40 unanswered points. Hooker Guillaume Cramont was a standout, completing a hat-trick before halftime, while number eight Theo Ntamack and winger Maxime Lebel each contributed two tries.
Perpignan and Clermont Continue to Struggle
Perpignan and Clermont faced another challenging weekend. Perpignan, despite a promising first half where they led La Rochelle 8:7, collapsed after the break, conceding 24 unanswered points. In a high-scoring affair, the `Yellow Army` (Clermont) ultimately fell short against Racing 92.
Close Encounters and Consecutive Losses
Montpellier managed to snatch a dramatic draw against Montauban, narrowly avoiding defeat with a last-minute effort. Conversely, Bordeaux experienced their second consecutive loss, suffering a defeat at the hands of Stade Français.
Bayonne`s Dramatic Victory
In the concluding fixture of the round, Bayonne secured a sensational victory over Toulon. The decisive moment came in the 79th minute, when a penalty kick from Joris Segonds sealed the win for Bayonne.
League Standings Update
Following these high-stakes matches and unexpected outcomes, the league standings have seen significant shifts, setting the stage for an even more competitive championship as teams vie for top positions early in the season.
