Just one victory separated the two teams. While Nice won in Monteux, Vendres-Lespignan defeated Draguignan last weekend. This eighth day of the season represented a turning point, and the teams from the Côte d’Azur couldn’t afford a mistake, having already been beaten at home by their neighbors from Grasse. The Hérault team, on the other hand, was chasing an away victory to make up for their defeat on home turf against Chatôrange. The stage was set. It was said that the Nice vs. Vendres Lespignan duel would be fierce, and it was.
Intensity, power, hard tackles: rugby enthusiasts got their money’s worth. One name: Richard Castel. Many remember the former flanker from Toulouse and Béziers, winner of the Grand Slam in 1997 with third-row companions named Benetton, Magne, Pelous, or Benazzi, with a memorable victory at Twickenham, 23 to 20. He symbolizes the fight, tenacity, and spirit of sacrifice. Today, at 34, this native of Vendres wears the number 7 for the green and white of Vendres Lespignan. And this Sunday at Les Arboras, the Hérault XV was in harmony with its glorious third row. Nice, inspired by its captain for the day, Geoffrey Marras, also drew inspiration. By the fifth minute, on the first attack by the team in purple, phases of play unfold, quick releases, and the ball lands in the arms of fullback Julien Roman, who scores in the corner. Geoffrey Marras converts, and Rugby Nice Côte d’Azur leads 7-0. 
Ten minutes of battle later, Vendres Lespignan reduces the score with a penalty (7-3). The Hérault team shows danger with an individual move by their fullback, who, after two follow-up kicks, finds himself in a scoring position, but Julien Roman saves the day at the last second. Nice struggles in the lineout and finds it hard to break through the opposing defensive line. Just before halftime, taking advantage of a temporary numerical advantage after a yellow card, Olivier Achaintre’s men camp in front of the try line and cross it after a succession of scrums and lineouts. The try awarded to Gwénaël Ponthier will not be converted. A blow to Vendres-Lespignan, who also receive a red card after a scuffle following the try. Nice leads 12-3 at halftime.
Forced to play 14 against 15 for half a game, the Hérault team showed even more courage and bravery. They fought for every ball, on every play. In the 27th minute, they were rewarded. Their winger achieved a solo feat, outpacing defenders with an astute kick over the top. He grounded the ball behind the try line (12-8). A drizzle joined the end of the match, adding to the suspense. The Niçois, as combative as their opponents, concluded the game as if to demonstrate to the day’s visitors that here at Les Arboras, they didn’t appreciate being provoked. Over twenty meters, the Côte d’Azur maul advanced and punished the opposing pack before collapsing behind the line. Julien Kinane missed the conversion, but the Côte d’Azur players could raise their arms in victory. They emerged from a tricky match and proved they, too, loved the battle. They are now one win away from the leaders, Romans and Grasse, before visiting Draguignan next Sunday. Vendres Lespignan will be a tough team to beat and is far from having said its last word in this pool, where, aside from Martigues, all teams are evenly matched.
The Hérault team honored their jersey and the rugby tradition of their region, where this sport is a religion.
