The Federale 3 rugby championship resumes this weekend. For its first match, Stade Niçois is traveling to Berre, who finished first in the pool last season, on Sunday, September 15, 2013, at 3 PM at the Stade de l’Arc.
Last season, Club Omnisport Berrois XV finished first in their pool by 5 points ahead of Stade Niçois before being eliminated in the round of 16 of the French championship. In the two encounters last year, each team won away from home (Nice – Berre 9 to 16 and Berre – Nice 8 to 9).
The team from Berre bases their game on a strong and organized pack of forwards, excelling in rugby fundamentals such as the lineout, scrum, and physical play, and relies on the quality of their kicker. In contrast, the team from Nice will attempt to impose their completely opposite style of play, based on movement and speed. After a promising last friendly match against Rugby Olympique de Grasse (Federale 2, lost 21 to 16), the team led by the Baldacchino/Beguine duo will need to confirm their abilities in the championship against a strong team in the pool.
