The people of Nice dominated Massy at the Arboras stadium for their first home game. With three victories in four games, they are now at the top of the championship.
The start of the season for Nissa Rugby confirms their declared ambitions. After two victories away from home against Tarbes and Bourgoin, the Nice team claimed their first home victory against Massy. This success, achieved in front of their supporters, allows the team to occupy the first place in the standings ahead of Chambéry.
From the first minutes, Nissa Rugby set the pace. Patrick Leafa crossed the try line as early as the 8th minute. Owen Williams converted. The tone was set, Nice was leading (7-0). Four minutes later, Hugo Sarrasin scored another try, also converted by the Nice fly-half. At (14-0), the Maralpins had already taken a serious option. Massy found a gap just before the break thanks to Cellier, author of two penalties that reignited the game. At halftime, the score was (14-6).
The start of the second half briefly revived the Francilians. Poipy scored right after the break. However, Cellier missed the conversion. Nice responded immediately. Guillaume Rouet scored a try in quick succession, restoring a ten-point lead to the Azuréens (21-11).
The match turned in the last quarter-hour with the Patrick Leafa show. The New Zealand hooker scored a second try in the 62nd minute before repeating the feat six minutes later. With this hat-trick, he offered a decisive advantage to the people of Nice. Carré narrowed the gap for Massy at the 72nd minute. The score remained unchanged. Nissa Rugby won (35-18).
This victory illustrates a positive momentum. Three victories in four matches place the team at the top of the championship.
The match showcased the strength of the Nice team. Offensive efficiency was decisive. The players capitalized on their strong moments, with five tries scored. Patrick Leafa particularly stood out with a hat-trick, confirming his key role in the attack. Coupled with the precision of Owen Williams, his accuracy with the boot was significant.
Nissa Rugby’s next match will be in two weeks, with another away game (the fourth in five matches), this time on the field of Niort.
