Stade Rochelais wrapped up the 9th round of Top 14 with a convincing home win over Racing 92 (33-6) on Sunday. Grégory Alldritt, the Rochelais captain, shone on the pitch after being dropped from the France squad. This performance confirms the Maritimes' positive momentum.
Stade Rochelais dominated Racing 92 at home 33-6 to close the 9th round of Top 14 on Sunday. This victory marks the Maritimes' third consecutive win, following triumphs over Montauban and at Lyon, propelling them into the top 6 with a postponed match against Toulon.
Grégory Alldritt, captain and flanker, was the standout player. Dropped from the 23 protected Blues by Fabien Galthié for the match against South Africa, he responded on the field with a try in the 19th minute, 13 tackles out of 13, and decisive presence in attack and defense. It was his 150th match for Rochelais. To Canal+ microphone, he said: “I needed a little bit of love. Whether from the team or the stadium, they gave me a lot today. It’s a special evening”. Clarifying he was not injured but subject to a sporting choice, Alldritt added: “I respect that choice and I wanted to give 300% for this club”.
Antoine Hastoy also excelled, scoring 15 points from the tee without error and beating seven defenders, with precise kicking leading to Alldritt's try. For Racing 92, the attack is stalled: second match without a try, totaling 163 minutes without crossing the opponents' line. The half-back pairing Carbonneau-Seunes struggled, with questionable decisions and little impact.
Despite his disappointment, Alldritt will join Marcoussis on Monday, motivated to help the France team: “I love my country and I want to do everything for this France team”. This performance highlights La Rochelle's resurgence, more conquering and solid.