VIDEO: bayonne-Stade Toulousain: Ntamack Laments Toulouse’s Missed Opportunities in Jean-Dauger Defeat
Bayonne, France - Stade Toulousain fly-half Romain Ntamack expressed deep frustration following his team’s defeat against Bayonne in the 5th day of Top 14 action (rounds 26-40), citing a failure to capitalize on opportunities and a lack of “killer instinct” in the final stages of the match. The international player openly acknowledged his disappointment with the team’s performance, notably as they allowed Bayonne to seize control late in the game.
The heavy scoreline,while disheartening,doesn’t accurately reflect the effort invested throughout the match,Ntamack stated. This loss is particularly stinging for Toulouse as they aimed to make a statement on the road, but ultimately faltered in the crucial final minutes.The result underscores the competitive intensity of the top 14 and the need for consistent performance across the full 80 minutes.
Responding to Ugo Mola’s post-match assessment that the team lacked character, Ntamack agreed, emphasizing the regret over squandered chances. “It’s a shame as the score is heavy and dose not reflect the investment that was all the match,” he saeid.”The last 10, 12 minutes have been elaborate and it’s unfortunate because we were in the match. It’s annoying…because it does not reflect, once again, the investment that was given the whole match, all week by guys.” He pinpointed three key actions at the end of the game as particularly costly.
Ntamack also identified a lack of clinical finishing as a critically importent factor in the defeat. “We were not killing enough,” he explained, noting missed points from the kicking tee and lost touches within Bayonne’s 22-meter area contributed to falling behind. despite controlling possession and applying pressure, Toulouse failed to convert their dominance into points. “We had the match in hand…We only played 65 this evening and the score is heavy at the end.”
While a penalty miss by Thomas Ramos in the 66th minute was highlighted, Ntamack dismissed it as the sole turning point. He attributed the loss to a combination of factors, including missed kicks, lost touches, and a collective inability to close out the game. “It has to serve us collectively to be more killers,to mark more times when we have the prospect,” he concluded. “We did not break this Bayonnaise team when we had the opportunity, we left it in the match and on arrival, it is indeed she who is in front.”
