At the end of a lively and exciting match, Nissa Rugby continues its strong momentum this evening by securing its third consecutive victory against Périgueux Dordogne (43-27). A precious victory for the Maralpins, who start the year 2026 in the best possible way by winning against a direct competitor in the race for promotion to Pro D2.
At the kickoff of this top-of-the-league matchup, the two teams vying for promotion to the second division at the end of the season share third place. The Maralpins were seeking a third victory in three matches following their impressive performance against Tarbes Pyrénées (50-30) and their valuable victory against Rennes (21-44). Meanwhile, the Périgourdins had achieved a narrow victory away against Rennes (8-9).
An intense and competitive start between Maralpins and Périgourdins
In a electrifying atmosphere at Marcel Volot despite the chilly temperatures, the start of this match is lively. Both teams are eager to play, and the rolling mauls follow one another on both sides.
In the first minutes of the match, the Maralpins fall back, struggling with restart plays and remaining within their 50 meters. The Périgourdins take advantage and make progress. Following a foul during a rolling maul, the Périgourdins win a penalty (4th minute) in front of the posts and open the scoring.
A few minutes later, during an offensive play sequence following a rolling maul, the Maralpins win a penalty. It is quickly taken, allowing them to progress into Périgueux’s territory. On another rolling maul, at the end of a beautiful collective effort, Pat Leafa scores the first try of the match (10th minute) for Nissa Rugby, making it 5-3. Facing the wind, the Welshman Owen Williams misses the conversion from 30 meters out.
Périgueux secures a penalty (14th minute) and retakes the lead 5-6. The Maralpins quickly respond and advance into Périgueux’s territory. After several attempts close to the try line, Jordan Taufua breaks through Périgueux’s defense on the right wing (16th minute), and Owen Williams converts the try, bringing the score to 12-6.
Nissa Rugby accelerates and widens the gap before halftime
Périgueux attempts to respond and close the gap, but their attempts are stopped by well-organized Azurian defenses. Following a rapid counter-attack covering nearly 30 meters, Henri Purdy (21st minute) grounds the ball behind the try line, and the Welshman Owen Williams converts the try, making it 19-6.
The Périgourdins appear to be suffocated towards the end of the period by the numerous offensive sequences from the Maralpins.
Nissa Rugby wins a penalty five meters from the try line, following a rolling maul. The Maralpins play behind Périgueux’s defense, and Clément Egiziano (30th minute) uses his strength to score another try, converted by Owen Williams, allowing Nissa Rugby to soar ahead with a score of 26-6.
A few minutes before the end of the first half, the Périgourdins gather some momentum but are again stopped by a well-organized Nissa Rugby defense.
The Azurians drive the point home and extend their lead
Upon returning from the dressing room, the Maralpins press their advantage, and Rouet (43rd minute) scores another try to widen the score against Périgourdins, who are currently struggling to find solutions. Facing the wind at 20 meters, the Welshman Owen Williams, who also seems physically affected in recent minutes, misses the conversion, leaving the score at 31-6.
A short while later, after a rolling maul, Périgueux attempts to respond and scores a try (47th minute), converted by their fly-half Jaun Kotzé, bringing it to 31-13.
The Maralpins respond again, unleashing a series of offensive actions in the final 15 meters of Périgueux’s territory. At the end of a collective action near the Périgourdine try line, during a rolling maul, Pierre Strippoli (53rd minute) scores another try, converted by Owen Williams, making it 38-13. This secures the offensive bonus.
With fourteen men against fifteen, the Maralpins remain strong
Following a high tackle, the referee shows a yellow card to Nissa Rugby’s Waisea Nayacalevu. Shortly before the hour mark, the Maralpins are reduced to fourteen men for the next ten minutes.
The Périgourdins take advantage of their numerical superiority to push Nissa Rugby back. Initially, the well-organized Azurians fend off the advances, but Nicolas Piaton eventually finds a gap and scores a try (62nd minute), converted to make it 38-20. The numerical disadvantage takes its toll on the Maralpins, who struggle to regain possession and push the ball upfield.
After an interception near the midfield line by Clément Egiziano and a brilliant pass ten meters from the Périgourdine try line, Baptiste Lafond (68th minute) grounds the ball, making it 43-20. Facing the wind, Flavio Asquini cannot successfully convert the try.
Less than ten minutes before the match ends, Nissa Rugby returns to full strength after Waisea Nayacalevu rejoins the game.
Nissa Rugby secures the win and confirms their strong momentum
In a collective action, Périgueux scores a team try in the 77th minute, which is converted, reducing the score on the scoreboard to 43-27. The final score begins to take shape and will not change for the Périgourdins.
Two minutes before the match ends, the team of Gareth Baber reacts and wins a rolling maul within Périgueux’s last ten meters, well defended. As the ball heads out of bounds, the referee whistles the end of the match. Nissa Rugby wins it (43-27).
The Azurians achieve their third consecutive victory, with style and a bonus-point victory. A perfect evening for the Maralpins, who claim an important win in the race for Pro D2 promotion.
An excellent momentum the Maralpins will aim to maintain in their next match on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at home against Bourgouin-Jallieu.
