The men of Olivier Achaintre, the new coach of Rugby Nice Côte d’Azur, appeared tense throughout the first half, accumulating bad lineouts and dropped balls. They dominated the Bédariciens with the power of their pack. They camped in the opponent’s territory but in a sterile manner. Twice, the visiting fly-half Bès failed in his penalty attempts (2nd minute and 12th minute) during the only two incursions of Bédarieux into Nice’s territory in the first forty minutes. The score remained blank, and the rugby played could be described as “old-school rugby.” A few slaps were exchanged. The referee disrupted the game. The Nice supporters expected better, and the best was yet to come. In the 45th minute, just before the break, from a lineout at the 40-meter mark, the hooker charged through and progressed, scrum-half Delage sent the ball to the backs who accelerated to score between the posts. The try was converted by Marras. Nice led 7-0 at halftime.
This try reassured the home team, who started the second half as they finished the first, by scoring five more points after a dropped ball by Bédarieux was recovered by the center from the Azur region who dashed behind the line. (12-0 in the 44th minute) The Hérault team tried their all. They pressed forward and showed more impact. They reduced the score with a penalty in the 65th minute. Nice thus conceded their first points of the season after 145 minutes of impermeability. The match became more balanced, especially as Baldacchino’s men had to play with 14 for ten minutes. Everything remained possible. But a new counter-attack try by Delage crushed the hopes of the Bédariciens. Nice won their second match 19-3.
Despite some imperfections in lineouts, the Nice team showed dedication and seriousness by relying on a relentless defense that destroyed the few opportunities for the opposition. The season is off to an ideal start. In fifteen days, the match against local rivals Grasse will be the first test to see what Olivier Achaintre’s players are capable of.
