Afterwards, there was nothing except a beautiful attacking move in the second half with a try at the end disallowed for a forward pass in the last phase.
On their side, Chรขteaurenard was able to make up for lost ground with two penalties, the last one coming two minutes before the end after a push from their forwards that could have even given them the victory.
Nice, through this underperformance, unexpectedly lets pass the opportunity to position themselves among the leading group in the standings and jeopardizes their ability to contend for the top 4 spots synonymous with qualification for the final phase.
And it will certainly not be with this quality of play and consequent lack of efficiency that Marc-Andrรฉ Doumergue’s men will be able to bring spice to their season, which has so far remained in the locker room.
Analyzing the match, one must say that the forwards hold their own (albeit a bit less well than usual in this match) but, on the other hand, there is a noticeable lack of control in game organization, due to the absence of sharp and effective half-backs in distribution and penetrating three-quarters in execution.
Final result: the opponents gain confidence and first manage to counter the locals’ attacking plays and eventually even become dangerous, ultimately taking control of the match.
A reflection is necessary for the Nice coaches regarding the value of their team after 5 matches (2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses). The next match and the reception of Lavaur, another beatable team, will become decisive to understand if the club truly has the means to meet its ambitions.
In attendance at the stands: Benoit Kandel (1st Deputy Mayor of Nice) and his colleague Gilles Vessiere (Deputy for Sports), who, by their presence, wished to testify to the interest that the Nice municipality has in Nice rugby.
RUGBY NICE CA-Chateaurenard 9-9 (9-3)
for RNCA: 3 penalties by Malavard
