The anticipated clash between Nissa Rugby and US Bressane ultimately left no room for suspense. In the Marcel-Volot stadium won over to their cause, the Nice team confirmed its favorite status by winning convincingly (40-8), validating in the process a fifth consecutive victory and taking sole leadership of the Nationale. Facing a Bressane team seeking redemption but too limited away from home, David Odiete’s partners unrolled their game, relying on their strengths.
The beginning of the match nevertheless suggested a balanced duel. From the 6th minute, US Bressane opened the scoring with a penalty from Bruce Houston (0-3). An advantage of short duration as the Nice players quickly gained momentum. At home, where they have already scored nearly 350 points this season, they found their rhythm and struck hard.
In the 10th minute, hooker Léo Chauvin concluded a first controlled sequence. Owen Williams, impeccable with the kicking tee, converts (7-3). Nissa Rugby then unfolded their rugby, the one that allowed them to score no fewer than 50 tries at home since the start of the season. Eight minutes later, Waisea Vuidravuwalu pierced the Bressane defense to score the second try, again converted by Owen Williams (14-3).
Nice’s domination was total. Ten minutes later, center three-quarter Tyler Morgan scored a try. The Welsh international kicker from Nissa Rugby continued his perfect record (21-3). US Bressane, which has won only one away match this season and struggles to score away from home, suffered successive waves from a Nice team confident in its strength.
The visitors did react before the break. Hugo Quiros found the gap in the 33rd minute, but the conversion was missed to seal the half-time score at 21-8 in favor of the Maralpins. An insufficient rally to worry a solid Nice side, which has conceded only 19 tries at home this season.
The logical bonus point offers leadership of the Nationale
After the interval, both coaching staffs made several changes, particularly in the pack. The pace dropped slightly, but Nissa Rugby maintained control of the match. In the 55th minute, Joshua Tyrell, at lock, took advantage of well-won ball to score the fourth Nice try. Owen Williams converted again to restore a 20-point lead.
Nice’s bench depth then made the difference. Coming on ten minutes earlier, replacement hooker Rayne Barka scored in the 64th minute the bonus try, rewarding the home team’s domination. Jean-Pascal Barraque, also on the field, missed the conversion 33-8 but the main thing was elsewhere.
The end of the match was one-way traffic. US Bressane, already in difficulty in recent weeks with four defeats in their last five matches, could no longer contain Nice’s attacks. In the 78th minute, Joel Kpoku completed the demonstration by scoring the sixth try. Jean-Pascal Barraque adjusted his aim this time to seal the score of this one-way encounter at (40-8).
A victory that confirms Nice’s ambitions
With this resounding success, Nissa Rugby takes sole leadership of the Nationale, one point ahead of Albi. The offensive leaders answered the call: Owen Williams, with four conversions, confirms his 137 points this season, while leaders like Leafa, Egiziano or Taufua made an impact.
Against a US Bressane too fragile away from home and lacking confidence, the Nice players sent a clear message: they are more than ever candidates for promotion. Their streak of five consecutive victories is now six, and the momentum seems to be building.
The championship is still long, but one thing is certain: Nissa Rugby is advancing with confidence, power and ambition. Next match in two weeks on the ground of Olympique Marcquois, another team in difficulty this season but one that will want to pull off a surprise at home. The meeting is set for Saturday, March 21 at 5:30 p.m.
NicePremium is a free, independent local news outlet.
Help us keep going by supporting our work from €5 per month.
