Rugby: Nissa Rugby’s back row brings Rouen to its knees

Nissa Rugby dominated Rouen and won their 20th round match (40-19) thanks to effective attacking and solid management. The Nice team confirmed their leader position before their trip to Suresnes.

In the context of advancing the new stand construction project (1,400 additional seats for seven million euros) scheduled for September, Nissa Rugby welcomed Rouen for the 20th round of the National league. The Nice team approached this match with favorable momentum and a series of solid results against Niort and Chambéry. Tonight’s match confirmed this trend.

The match started at a sustained pace. In the 8th minute, Arthur Vignolles opened the scoring after a well-executed play. His injury exit forced the Nice team to reorganize their back row, but the team did not lose its rhythm. In the 17th minute, Jules Gimbert scored a second try after a clean ball. Jean-Pascal Barraque converted and brought the score to 12-0.

Rouen reacted four minutes later. Lucas Costa concluded an offensive sequence that surprised the Nice defense. This try brought the Normans to 12-5 and briefly revived the match. The game then became tougher. Both teams received yellow cards. The pace became choppy, but Nissa Rugby regained the initiative. Bastien Berenguel took advantage of a carrying ball to score a third try. Barraque converted and set the score at 19-5 at halftime.

Indiscipline gives victory to Nissa Rugby

When returning from the dressing room, Rouen received another yellow card. The Normans found themselves at thirteen against fifteen for several minutes. Nissa Rugby immediately exploited this situation. Baptiste Lafond scored in the corner after a quick move. Barraque added two points. With this fourth try, the Nice team secured the offensive bonus.

The Nice pressure did not diminish. In the 50th minute, Farai Mudariki scored the fifth try after collective forward work. The conversion brought the score to 33-5. Rouen then took advantage of a Nice numerical disadvantage to reduce the gap. Jack Metcalf touched down after a constructed sequence. Jérémie Mukanda added a third Norman try shortly after. These actions showed Rouen’s determination to remain engaged, but the gap remained wide.

The end of the match confirmed Nice’s control. Jonah Mau’u scored the sixth try in the 73rd minute. Owen Williams, back on the field, converted and sealed the score at (40-19). This final action illustrated the depth of the Nice squad and its ability to maintain its pace.

With this victory, Nissa Rugby consolidated their leader position. The team confirmed their home strength, already visible in their statistics. Their discipline, ability to score in crucial moments and effectiveness near the line influenced the match. Rouen showed commitment but suffered from their penalties and periods of weakness.

Nissa Rugby has now turned their attention to their trip to Suresnes, scheduled for next week, Saturday, February 28, at 3 p.m., with the objective of extending their momentum.