Limoges was primarily known for its traditional porcelain or, in the world of sports, for its basketball team, but the oval ball, French Federal 1 champion in 2002/2003 with access to Pro D2, has managed to make a name for itself in the Limoges city. After being defeated by 6 points in the first leg, it is at the Beaublanc municipal stadium that Manu Boutet’s men are obliged to achieve a feat to still dream of promotion.
The only goal for the Nice rugby players is to win in Limoges, hoping to create a sufficient margin, i.e., at least a converted try or at worst two penalties or drops that would, in this case, result in a tie requiring a calculator. But there’s no real need for calculations for those from Nice who know at the base of which mountain they will find themselves this Sunday at 3 PM. Certainly, Philippe Benetton’s men appear almost untouchable, and their victory in Nice lands makes them the undeniable favorite for this second leg of the quarter-finals. However, the Azurรฉens have not said their last word, knowing these might be the last efforts to be made in a season full of twists and turns on and off the field.
“We approach this return match without pressure, we have nothing to lose and, on the contrary, everything to gain. There is no question of going to Limoges as sacrificial victims; we will play our hearts out. Anyway, whatever the final outcome, the season’s objective has been achieved. Qualification for the play-offs, a club back on track after erratic management, and a booming rugby school, what more could one ask for?” Marc-Andrรฉ Domergue, the club’s general manager, still believes in this chance, “We only have a 10% chance of qualifying, so we will play this match at 110% to have no regrets.”
Indeed, a defeat or elimination in Limoges would not be a huge surprise, and if that happens, the governing team will immediately get into action to prepare for the next season in Federal 1 with the calmness and seriousness that have been very present at the end of the season.
The players and the staff will join Limoges this evening after a week of preparation as serious as it is appropriate for this kind of meeting, and now we must wait for the only truth that counts… that of the field.
