Nice concluded 2010 at the Stade des Arboras with flair and three tries against Aubenas (32-17) this Saturday evening.
Despite the freezing cold, the team of Manu Boutet and Will Johnson managed to take control of the game from the start.
In the third minute, Dean Moxham put his team on the right track following a great collective effort from the Nice forwards. The New Zealander can now cut his hair. Indeed, following a bet made at the start of the season, he could only go to the hairdresser once he scored his first try of the season. It’s done now! Following that, the kicker Adrien Malavard, returning after a three-week absence due to a thigh injury, made the conversion. Nice thus led 7-0.
Was this start to the game too well managed? In any case, Aubenas, with a high-quality backline, got back into the match at the end of the first quarter (7-7, 15).
From then on, the contest was balanced, and the physical impacts took precedence over the wide play. Shortly before the half-hour mark, Malavard scored a penalty (10-7, 27). But Aubenas caught up before the break (10-10, 36).
Unlike recent home performances, Nice returned from the locker room with very good intentions. And, as in the first half, the Nice team pushed Salim Boukanoucha into the opponent’s in-goal area for a demonstration of collective power from the pack (15-10, 43). Even though Malavard did not make the conversion, Nice would no longer be caught.
Subsequently, the Azurens remained solid in defense. Malavard added three sets of three points progressively (18-10, 51; 21-10, 56; and 24-10, 61).
However, Aubenas did not close down the game and managed to come back with a fine try (24-17, 67).
But once again, Nice demonstrated their mental strength. Adrien Malavard, clearly making an impact, managed to score a third try at the end of the lineup, widening the score (29-17, 71). Malavard did not convert. However, he scored a final 50-meter penalty in the last minute (32-17, 80).
With this fifth victory in six home games, Nice now strengthens its place at the top of the standings. Now, the trip to Grasse, for a derby that promises to be colorful, is scheduled for next Sunday.
The team lineup
Mathet – Malavard, Benstaali, Mège (Kacharava, 48), Warwick (Dramé, 64) – Delmonte (Guerre, 66), Mc Hugh – Espagno, Sainte-Croix, Moxham (Dahbi, 52) – Penalva (J. Sua, 62), Boukanoucha – Guarese (Canizares, 62), Faurois, R. Sua (Kaikilekofe, 74)
Christian Baldacchino: “I am happy, especially in this troubled period with the problems we have had regarding the SASP. The sport is delivering. We are not betrayed by our players. It is a great help for the sustainability of our project.”
Manu Boutet: “We are happy to close 2010 on a positive note. We played an uneven match. However, we saw good sequences. But, I repeat, we lack consistency. After a very good start, we then let the game go to our opponent, who took it, with quality. After the break, we saw better intentions. We demonstrated combativeness and launched some substantial actions.”
Will Johnson: “After scoring the first try, I thought it would be difficult. Moreover, Aubenas was more aggressive than us in the first half. They caused us problems around the ruck because we tackled too high. After the break, we played much better. However, at 24-10, we stopped playing again. After their try, we managed to find the strength to score again. And I liked that. However, we must learn lessons and analyze why we cannot play 80 minutes cleanly.”
Statements by Christophe Belloudi
