At the end of a well-controlled match, Stade Niçois wins (35-13) against Suresnes and reaches the Nationale final.
In a sold-out Arboras stadium and under a scorching sun, the conditions were ideal for securing a spot in the final. The beginning of the match does not favor the Niçois, who are penalized, and it is Suresnes who opens the scoring. The visitors even go on to extend their lead by six points.
It’s time to react, and Stade Niçois relies on its strong point, the mauls. After a line-out, the forward pack advances, securing a penalty two meters from the try line. Viard quickly plays and passes to his partner in the formation, Solinas, who helps the Niçois regain control of the game. The Niçois forwards allow the locals to widen the gap seven minutes after the first try. Following a good driving maul, it is the prop Sione Angaaelangi who gives the red and blacks an eight-point lead.
Struggling in the game and hindered by their indiscipline, Nice relies on a moment of brilliance from its scrum-half. Solinas takes advantage of a poor ruck by Suresnes to seize the ball and score the third Niçois try after a thirty-five-meter run. But just as earlier, Suresnes comes back into the game thanks to Niçois indiscipline, which offers them a line-out five meters out, allowing them to narrow the gap. At halftime, Nice leads 21 to 13.
Stade Niçois Controlled the Game
despite a good performance from Suresnes. The best attack of the regular phase seals the deal and scores two more tries through Smiley and Odiete. The decision is made, and Stade Niçois concludes this season by maintaining their home invincibility. Thanks to this 35 to 13 victory, Stade Niçois earns a spot in the Pro D2 promotion final; the season’s objective is now only 80 minutes away, or more if needed. In the meantime, the players were able to celebrate with their fans. It’s worth noting that, as in the last match of the regular phase, the South Brigade came to support their rugby buddies. A beautiful bridge between football and rugby.
The appointment is set, the final will pit Stade Niçois against Narbonne in Chambéry next Saturday at 6 PM.
