Nice secured their first bonus-point victory of the season against Romans (22-9 and 3 tries to 0) on Sunday afternoon at Stade des Arboras. The team led by Manu Boutet and Will Johnson responded well after three consecutive defeats in 2011.
This first victory of the year was marked by exemplary solidarity and the unwavering motivation of captain David Penalva and his teammates. However, the team was quickly reduced to 14 players when Damien Canizares was sent off (red card) following a brawl after the first try.
The start of the match was challenging. Although Romans opened the scoring (0-3, 18), it was Penalva who, after a quality drive, provided the first try for his team (5-3, 27). Arnaud Mathet did not convert. This first try was also indicative of challenges to come since, besides Canizares’ exclusion, Adrien Malavard, who had been knocked out shortly before, had to leave the field. Paco Guarese (to rebuild the front row, in place of Julien Orméa) and Titou Benstaali joined the game and held their ground with courage and tenacity.
Even with 14 players, Nice remained focused and disciplined. Mathet scored a penalty to make it 8-3 at halftime. At the 54th minute, a line-out won by Salim Boukanoucha, who along with Eric Espagno played a very good game in this area, led to Josslin Lapierre scoring a try in the left corner. Mathet converted (15-3).
Romans only managed to score with a penalty (15-6, 59). But a counterattack by Rudy Keil was relayed by Sainte-Croix, who launched Titou Benstaali for a try, earning them an offensive bonus. Arnaud Mathet converted again (22-6, 63).
From then on, Romans tried to come back. Despite another penalty (22-9, 69) and a yellow card for Penalva (70), the Nice defense was heroic.
This fine victory now puts Nice back on the path to qualifying for the finals of the competition. After a week’s break, Nice will travel to Châteaurenard on February 13.
The lineup: Canizares (sent off, 30), Faurois (Kaikelekofe, 41), R. Sua Uipa (Viset, 75) – Penalva (captain), Boukanoucha (Dahbi, 59) – Espagno, Menzencev (Sainte-Croix, 42), Ormea (Guarese, 32) – Delmonte (Guerre, 67), Lapierre – Sa, Mège, Keil, Malavard (Benstaali, 31) – Mathet
Not used: Okouya
