Second match in Pro D2 for Stade Niçois, with a trip to Agen this Friday. It was their first away game, which ended in a victory, 16 to 12.
Pre-Match
Agen-Nice. A fixture that rekindles the memories of rugby enthusiasts. In 2024, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1984 French Championship semi-final. This match saw Agen get revenge for their elimination the previous year by Nice, winning 21-14 after an 18-12 defeat in 1983.
Since then, many things have changed for these two historic clubs. Agen, rooted in Pro D2, struggles to reclaim the top spots. Nice, on the other hand, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence after playing in Fédérale 3 just a decade ago. Newly promoted, the Nice team has a clear objective to stay in Pro D2. They intend to make a strong impression, especially by achieving a notable victory at Armandie.
Last week, they nearly caused an upset at home against Béziers, losing only 13-9. Agen, meanwhile, narrowly lost to Provence (21-18), despite dominating much of the match.
Agen Lineup:
(1) Hans Lombard-Buret,
(2) Santiago Socino,
(3) Alex Burin,
(4) Evan Olmstead,
(5) John Madigan,
(6) Matthieu Bonnet,
(7) Arnaud Duputs,
(8) Fotu Lokotui,
(9) Jack Maunder,
(10) Franck Pourteau,
(11) Iban Etcheverry,
(12) Kolinio Ramoka,
(13) Peyo Muscarditz,
(14) Henry Purdy,
(15) Loris Tolot,
Replacements: (16) Pierre Jouvin, (17) Mamik Mstoiani, (18) William Demotte, (19) Vincent Farré, (20) Dorian Bellot, (21) Billy Searle, (22) Clément Garrigues, (23) Lasha Macharashvili
Nice Lineup:
(1) Facundo Gigena,
(2) Pierre Strippoli,
(3) Luvuyo Pupuma,
(4) Tom Murday,
(5) Martin Freytes,
(6) Arthur Vignolles,
(7) Bastien Berenguel,
(8) Jordan Taufua,
(9) Jules Solinas,
(10) Mathis Viard,
(11) David Odiete,
(12) Romain Riguet,
(13) Luca Cutayar,
(14) Christiaan Erasmus,
(15) Paul Auradou,
Replacements: (16) Santiago Ovejero, (17) Julien Beaufils, (18) Thibaud Rey, (19) Adrien Vigne, (20) Louis Suaud, (21) Thibault Dufau, (22) Tom Daly, (23) Tom Ross
First Half
Under a light drizzle, the two teams take the field at Armandie Stadium. Right from the start, the play is rough with difficult conditions. Nice’s Arthur Vignolles quickly stands out with a decisive turnover, allowing Nice to clear. However, this doesn’t lead to much as Agen even gains a penalty which Pourteau converts. Nice quickly responds, leveling the score with a penalty earned by Odiete. 3-all after 10 minutes. The game is tight, marked by numerous knock-ons and scrums.
However, in the 18th minute, a breakthrough occurs. From a well-executed maul, Bastien Berenguel forcefully touches down, scoring the first try of the match for Nice, and the first for the Aiglons in Pro D2. Viard converts, bringing the score to 10-3.
Nonetheless, Agen quickly responds with Pourteau’s precise boot, narrowing the gap after a Niçois mistake, but the hosts struggle to find solutions. Inspired, Nice takes advantage of a 50-22 to settle inside Agen’s 22-meter line but encounters solid defense led by Canadian Olmstead. As time ticks on, the game closes up again, filled with lineouts and scrums with no real progress. Agen’s situation worsens in the 38th minute with Lokotui’s yellow card for a dangerous tackle. With a numerical advantage, Nice has the chance to extend their lead, but Viard misses the target right before halftime. The first half ends with a score of 10-6 in favor of Nice.
Second Half
Right after the restart, Berenguel, who scored the try in the first half, makes way for Suaud. Nice kicks off, but Agen quickly responds. In the 41st minute, Maunder kicks to touch on his 40 meters, before Agen regains possession and launches a bold attack. In the 43rd minute, the match witnesses its first scare. Agen’s Purdy collapses after a brutal collision with his teammate Maunder. The stretcher is promptly brought out, and Searle comes on as a substitute. Both teams find themselves at numerical equality with the return of Lokotui after his yellow card.
The match becomes tougher. At the 49th minute, Agen earns a penalty following a foul by Taufua, but Pourteau misses his 45-meter attempt. Nice is struggling, but stands firm. The battle is fierce as Nice remains pinned in their half. However, the Niçois defense holds strong, conceding no points despite a series of fouls. Agen still capitalizes. In the 55th minute, a Niçois fault in a ruck allows Searle to bring his team within one point (10-9).
The strategy of Nice’s coach, Alexandre Compan, then comes into play. He reshuffles the front row to inject fresh energy with Ovejero, Beaufils, and Ross. The Niçois scrum regains the upper hand. Viard, unyielding, adds three points in the 59th minute. Nice breathes easier with a lead of 13 to 9.
Agen, nevertheless, refuses to give up. In the 66th minute, a setback hits Nice: Vigne, repeatedly penalized, receives a yellow card. With a man advantage, Agen closes in further with a Pourteau penalty (13-12).
Agen ramps up its efforts, but Nice remains resolute. In the 77th minute, Pourteau saves his team with a ground kick from Viard that could have been fatal. In this fierce contest, Agen gives it their all. However, Jouvin is penalized for an illegal support move in the 78th minute. As the final minutes slip away, Nice finds relief again. Auradou, with a magnificent kick from 55 meters, restores a four-point lead for his team. The score moves to 16-12. Agen attempts a final attack, but to no avail.
In a tightly contested match, Nice secures their first victory in Pro D2.
