National: Albi strikes hard in the duel for first place against Nissa Rugby

The trip to the Stadium was supposed to serve as a test for Nissa Rugby. The match above all highlighted a defense in difficulty and an inability to match the pace imposed by SCA. The large final margin underscores a missed evening for the Côte d’Azur side, as the final stages approach.

The trip to the municipal Stadium represented a major test for Nissa Rugby. The Côte d’Azur club came in on the back of six successive victories and a solid regular season, capable of winning both at home and away, and arrived at Albi with the ambition of contending for first place. SCA, for their part, could seal top spot with a win. This anticipated clash between two top-of-the-table sides quickly turned into a missed evening for the Nice side, who were outmatched in intensity and struggled defensively throughout the match.

The match swung as early as the 10th minute with the try by Julian Guiraud, converted by Théo Vidal 7-0. Six minutes later, Téo Dospital added a second try, also converted 14-0. The first half ended with a double from Dospital, bringing the score to 21-0 and establishing an already substantial gap.

Rain of cards

After the break, Nissa Rugby attempted to revive the momentum with several substitutions. However, the defense remained in difficulty. The yellow card received by Waisea opened another difficult period. Two additional tries, scored by Guiraud and then Ruben Chaubet, both converted, brought the score to 35-0. A Vidal penalty further increased the gap.

The red card for Thomas Murday added another obstacle for the Côte d’Azur side. Téo Dospital’s third try followed immediately 43-0. Tensions then rose, resulting in two further dismissals, including that of Théo Vidal. The end of the match was played 14 against 13.

Baptiste Couchinave scored a seventh converted try. Léo Chauvin reduced the margin late in the match, without changing the overall complexion of the game. The final (50-7) highlighted a Nice performance that fell short, marked by defensive difficulties and a lack of control in key moments.

This defeat comes just weeks before the final stages and serves as a wake-up call. Albi for their part sealed top spot, despite the injury to Théo Vidal, who was forced off in the second half.

Now, Nissa Rugby finds itself under pressure from Chambéry and Massy for second place. Everything will be decided in 15 days at home for the Côte d’Azur side who must bounce back with the reception of Rennes. A team that has nothing left to play for in this championship but could come to trouble the Nice side in this final day of the regular season.