After their success in Beaune 15 days ago, Stade Niçois once again triumphs 25 to 6 against Villeurbanne and even clinches the offensive bonus point at the end of the match.
It was time for the Niçois to return to Arboras. Indeed, the Azuréens had played 3 consecutive away matches with a positive record: 2 victories (in Macon and Beaune) and one defeat on the grounds of Chambéry. The objective was clear: a victory and nothing less against a very tough Villeurbanne team to maneuver, who are 8th in the standings (while the Niçois are 4th).
The start of the match was clearly in favor of the visitors. The suburban team from the Lyon region took possession of the ball from the kick-off. It was the visitors who opened the score as early as the 3rd minute with a successful penalty by their fly-half (0-3). It was expected that the Niçois would react, but the opposite happened. The ASVEL players continued to hold the ball in the opponent’s half. However, they encountered the resisting Eagles’ defense. The visitors crossed the red-and-blacks’ try line twice, but a magnificent return by the Azuréen winger and a forward save the hosts. The championship’s 2nd best defense did not crack, allowing the Eagles to finally play in the opponent’s half.
The second part of the half clearly favored the hosts, who multiplied ball phases, equalizing (3-3) and even taking the lead with a corner penalty (6-3) thanks to the home kicker: fullback Sylvain Romain. It was only in the final seconds of the first half that a try was seen. Following a scrum 5 meters from Villeurbanne’s try line, the Niçois spread out, and it was (again) Sylvain Romain who grounded the first try (11-3).
A bonus point as a bonus
The second half was characterized by the same mood as the weather over Arboras Stadium, mixed. Cloudy but with a few rays of sunshine. These rays came notably from a penalty try earned by the Niçois forwards who overpowered their Villeurbanne counterparts 20 minutes before the match ended. The hosts were leading 18 to 6.
The victory loomed for the red-and-blacks. The changes made by coach David Bolgashvili worked well, even allowing Dov Kosse to score the 3rd try in the final moments of the game. A try synonymous with an almost unexpected offensive bonus for the Stade. Victory 25 to 6.
Poor performance in the line-out
This victory was achieved both through individual talent and the collective spirit that has prevailed for several seasons. However, the dark spot of this success was the line-out. Many balls were lost on their own throws, whether in offensive phases (in the opponent’s 22m) or defensive phases (in their own 22m).
The line-out was not up to par, but it was more the overall contest that was inconsistent. The scrum, for example. The hosts were initially dominating in the first scrums but were penalized several times during the match.
A positive point is that they responded well during key moments (the penalty try resulted from a series of scrums dominated by the Niçois). It’s a point that needs to be corrected in upcoming matches against the top teams in Pool 4 of Fédérale 1.
The Stade in the top 5
Following this 5-point victory, the Niçois are well-positioned in the standings: 4th, just 1 point behind the second place occupied by Bourgoin and 3 points ahead of 5th place, Hyères.
Next week, David Bolgashvili’s players travel to La Seyne-sur-Mer, just ahead of them in the standings, before hosting Grasse on October 21 at Arboras Stadium for what is known as a derby.
Pierre Ferrand
