Rugby: Nice dominates Draguignan 21 to 17

In the race for qualification for the Federal 2 final rounds, a Nice victory was essential. Opposed to Draguignan (fourth in the pool), Nice (7th) had the pressure of the result. In front of the stands of the Arboras Stadium generously filled, Nice’s Blacks, relying on the fundamentals of rugby, dominated the Dracénois. Field occupation, pack domination with penetrating mauls, an effective Legall-Déauze halfback pair: the Nice players controlled the match.

From the start of the match, the players of coaches Leccia and Buchet impose their physical power. The azure turtle breaks through the Var forwards and crosses the goal line. The first try of the match is converted by Julien Legall (7-0 in the 5th minute). Draguignan scores a penalty in the 10th minute and Julien Legall retaliates shortly before the half-hour mark. (10-3 at the 28th)

Serene, the Nice XV relies on Vincent Déauze’s boot. The azure fly-half uses his kicking precision to constantly bring play into the Dracénois camp.
This occupation makes it possible to put pressure on the green Var players. A scrum in the 22-meter area, Legall at the feed, he opens for his backs who accelerate and pass to Julien Roman, the intercepting fullback, who scores in the corner. Simple play, first-hand but aesthetic and clean. The try is not converted. (15-3 at the 33rd). In the stoppage time of the first half, Draguignan misses a good try opportunity and the two teams find themselves at half-time with a 12-point advantage in favor of Nice.

The Nice players will manage the second half. The forwards continue their dominance. Julien Legall and Vincent Déauze play in an armchair even if the fly-half fails in his drop attempts but Julien Legall on penalty realizes the domination of the blacks (18-3 at the 54th). Then on a penetrating maul over more than twenty meters, Draguignan commits a foul. Legall converts (21-3 at the 62nd).

Victory is assured. Nice relaxes and Draguignan attempts to save face to thank their many supporters. The Var rugby players will succeed in doing so twice in the final minutes. First thanks to a penalty try (21-10 at the 78th) then on a superb action launched from their 40-meter line, the ball flies from hand to hand, repeated efforts and passes after contact follow one another to finish between the azure posts. A beautiful try converted. (21-17 final score).

A beautiful match, a deserved Nice victory. Now sixth with two days remaining, Rugby Nice Côte d’Azur Université Racing remains in the running for qualification with a deficit of three points on fifth-placed Bastia and last qualifier. The managers had decided to make this match a celebration by offering free stadium entry. A nice initiative. Spectators will return. This is how the rebirth of rugby in Nice continues.