
CASTRES, FRANCE – And so, the almost but not quite entirely unpredictable Top 14 season is one match away from the end. After 186 matches, in which 7,296 points were scored – courtesy of 1,095 penalties and 591 tries, 449 of which were converted – the destiny of the Brennus rests on the outcome of a second consecutive final between Toulon and Castres.
Leicester and Leinster are the other two teams, for the record.
Even as the confetti settled over the Millennium Stadium pitch, however, you can bet Wilkinson’s mind was beginning to mull over one last challenge – winning the Top 14 title this week to ensure that Toulon become the first French side to win the Heineken Cup and Top 14 titles in the same season since Toulouse in 1996.
Zealous? Probably. Speculation? Naturally. But that’s the image Wilkinson has cleverly cultivated over the years – a robotic metronome, always preparing for the next challenge – which, after Saturday, will be a role on the staff at Stade Mayol. It’s one that belies his true genius, and one that a rapidly decreasing circle of people actually believe.
Over at the training ground, meanwhile, the players quietly got on with the job in hand – getting ready for one last big match.
A wrong, as far as Toulon are concerned, needs righting.
Maybe they’re right. It was a genuinely surprising result. Only Castres’ fans dared dream. But a tired and mind-weary Toulon were simply outmuscled and outthought last year.
Examining the two sides’ make-up, it’s clear they couldn’t be more different.
On paper, then, the two sides couldn’t be more different. But rugby isn’t played on paper. It’s played on a pitch. With players and tactics and pride and passion.
Undoubtedly, both teams have all of the above by the bucketload. Toulon finished the season at the top of the table, and made light work of Racing Metro in the Top 14 semi-final before making lighter work of Saracens last week in the Heineken Cup final. But Castres first ended Clermont’s winning streak at Stade Marcel Michelin, then edged Montpellier in the last four to ensure they took the defence of their title all the way to the final.
Only, if this Top 14 season has proved anything, it has proved that when it comes down to it, stats aren’t always worth the paper they’re written on.
No one – except die-hard Castres fans – expects Castres to win the Brennus again. But, then, no one – except die-hard Castres fans – expected them to win it last year, either.
That’s it for now. Feel free to comment below, please look for and “Like” our Facebook Rugby Wrap Up Page and follow us on Twitter@ :RugbyWrapUp, Junoir Blaber, Nick Hall, James Harrington, Jamie Wall, Jaime Loyd, DJ Eberle, Cody Kuxmann, Karen Ritter, Jake Frechette and Declan Yeats, respectively.