Breaking News: Top 14 Grand Final Features Three Argentine Players
The much-anticipated Grand Final of the Top 14 Rugby Championship is set to kick off today, with three Argentine players taking center stage. This high-stakes match between Toulouse and Bordeaux is not just a battle for the title but also a showcase of international talent.
Key Players and Team Lineups
Santiago Chocobares and Juan Cruz Mallía will be playing their fourth final for Toulouse, while Gudo Petti, who recently moved from Harlequins, will be facing his first Top 14 final with Bordeaux. These players bring a wealth of experience and skill to the field, making the match even more exciting.
Recent Form and Absentees
Bordeaux comes into the final with a strong performance in the Champions Cup semi-final, where they defeated their opponents 35-18. Toulouse, however, will be without several key players, including Antoine Dupont, Mauvaka Pedato, Ange Cappuzzo, and Alexandre Roumat. Despite these absences, Toulouse aims to secure their third consecutive title.
Injury Updates and Team News
Bordeaux received good news with the confirmation that Louis Bielle-Biarrey will be playing despite a recent concussion. The duo of Lucu and Jalibert will be crucial for Bordeaux’s success. Toulouse’s coach, Ugo Mola, acknowledges the challenge, stating, “Our fans know that it has been an infernal season, but they also know that three consecutive titles is not for anyone.”
Historical Context and Team Records
Stade Toulousain is the most successful team in the competition, having won 23 titles since the first French tournament in 1892. Bordeaux, with various names, has won the title 9 times, the last being in 1991. This rich history adds to the significance of today’s match.
Match Details
The match will take place at the iconic Stade de France in Paris, with referee Pierre Brousset overseeing the action. Kickoff is scheduled for 16:05 local time.
Team Lineups
Toulouse:
- 1. Rodrigue Neti
- 2. Julien Marchand
- 3. Barassi
- 14. Juan Cruz Mallía
- 15. Thomas Ramos
Alternate:
- 16. Alexandre Roumat
Bordeaux:
- 1. Jefferson Poirot
- 2. Maxime Lamothe
- 3. Benjamin Tameifuna
- 4. Guido Petti
- 5. Cyril Cazeux
- 6. Market Gazzotti
- 7. Peter Samu
- 8. Peter Samu
- 10. Maxime Lucu
- 10. Maxime Jalibert
- 10. Louis Bielle-Biarrey
- 11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey
- 12. Beam Moefana
- 13. Nicolas Deporates
- 14. Damian Penaud
- 15. Romain Bus
Alternate:
- 16. Alexandre Roumat
Stay tuned to archyde.com for live updates and expert analysis of this thrilling match. Don’t miss out on the action as these two powerhouses battle it out for the Top 14 title.
