Pro D2: Difficult start for Nissa Rugby against BO

After a summer marked by a deep crisis and several weeks of uncertainty, Nissa Rugby was finally maintained in Pro D2. Relieved but still in recovery, the Azur club could finally turn its attention to the pitch. For its return to competition, however, it suffered at the hands of Biarritz Olympique, losing heavily (36-5) in the season opener.

The summer saga came to an end just three weeks before the season kicked off. Maintained in Pro D2 on August 7 by the FFR’s Appeals Commission, Nissa Rugby obtained in the nick of time the financial guarantees required by the Rugby Regulatory Authority (A2R), thanks to a guarantee of 4.6 million euros provided by Sport Inside Europe. The deduction of five points was cancelled, replaced by a deduction of two points with probation for budgetary inconsistency. After weeks of tension, doubt and negotiations, the Nice club could finally prepare for its return to competition.

In this context of accelerated reconstruction, the Nice staff had chosen to rely on a framework mixing experienced recruits and senior players from the promoted squad: Julien Farnoux at fullback, a three-quarter line built around Clément Egiziano, Tyler Morgan, Francis Saili and Inoke Nalaga, the half-back pairing Théo Idjellidaine – Jean‑Pascal Barraque, a back row trio composed of Lucas Bachelier, Johan Sirgel and Hugo Sarasin, as well as the pairing Adrian Motoc – Christiaan Van der Merwe in the second row. Hayden Thompson Stringer, Léo Chauvin and Farai Mudariki completed the pack, while Étienne Falgoux, Joel Kpoku, Vincent Rattez and Nicolas Ciancio were on the bench to provide depth in this start of the championship at the Aguiléra sports park to launch their season against Biarritz Olympique. A club well known by the departing president who will finally take over the reins of Nissa Rugby, Jean‑Baptiste Aldigé!

A match start that proved fatal for the Niçois

The match quickly turned in favour of the Basques, who managed to impose their pace from the opening minutes. In a controlled sequence, Dawai converted the Biarritz domination by escaping from a ruck to score the first try of the season, converted by Dolhagaray. Nissa Rugby tried to react, but the initiatives of Jean‑Pascal Barraque and Théo Idjellidaine lacked precision. The kicking game, essential in this type of confrontation, eluded them: several inaccurate clearances gave extra ammunition to BO.

On a well-executed lineout, the Biarritz maul advanced with authority, resulting in a penalty try. The yellow card given to Johan Sirgel compounded the difficulty of the moment. Shortly after, an error in receiving by Inoke Nalaga allowed Paia’aua and then Acebes to increase the score. In less than thirty minutes, Biarritz led 19-0.

Nissa Rugby however found some relief just before the break. On a penalty lineout well exploited by Jean‑Pascal Barraque, the ball circulated to Inoke Nalaga, who scored in the corner. A bright moment quickly erased by a Dolhagaray penalty, bringing the score to 22-5 at halftime.

A second half without a turnaround

After the break, the Basques resumed their forward march. Dawai, again, took advantage of a ball poorly controlled by Julien Farnoux to score the bonus try after opportunistic handling. The Niçois tried to reorganize their game, but difficulties in the lineout — particularly with Léo Chauvin‘s throws — and ball losses prevented any attempt at a comeback. Coaching brought fresh blood with the entries of Louis Vignolles, Enzo Asquini and Vincent Rattez, without however changing the match dynamics.

The most striking action of the second half came from Fariscot, with a volleyed pass to Dolhagaray, who scored under the posts. This gesture sealed the fate of the match and illustrated the difference in control between the two teams. The end of the match, disjointed and marked by inaccuracies, did not change the outcome: Biarritz won (36-5).

For its return to Pro D2, Nissa Rugby has measured the demanding nature of the level. Trailing 19-0 after 25 minutes, the Azuréens reacted before the break but never managed to trouble a structured and dominant BO. A reaction is now expected Friday, September 4 at 7:30 PM, at home, against Béziers.