In a decisive match against a direct competitor for promotion to Pro D2, David Bolgashvili’s men claimed a 38-18 victory against Soyaux Angoulême, continuing their climb up the rankings.
After solid wins against Blagnac and Albi, this third consecutive victory allows the Azurens to secure their place in the Top 6, qualifying for the final stages.
The players from Nice started the match well, controlling the game and putting the opposing defense to the test without yet capitalizing on their superiority (9-6 at the half-hour mark).
Then, the Red and Black surged ahead with two tries before halftime. First, through a personal feat by Saki on the sideline (16-6 / 34th). Then a collective effort rewarded by a ball grounded over the line by the Nice maul (23-6 / 40th).
After the break, the Charentais slightly recovered with a converted try (26-13 / 53rd). But the Nice pack piled on the pressure with a second collective try in this game (31-13 / 70th), followed by the last one, signed by Tachat (79th/38-13), interspersed with a second from the Charentais.
Notable was the contribution from Ugo Verdu, who scored 16 points.
Starting XV: Vola, Martin, Johnston – Rey, Astier – Tachat (captain), Bolenaivalu, Suaud – Bessaguet (m), Verdu (o) – Zambelli, Fritz, Torfs, Saki, Le Gal;
Substitutes: Lemaire, Mondoulet, Freytes, Ricquebourg, Delage, Slowik, Alkhazashvili
