The Stade Nicois defeated Bourgoin on their home ground last night, in the last seconds of the match (18 to 17). A victory that allows the Nicois to consolidate their 3rd place.
What a feat by the Azureans! Until then undefeated at home, the Bergalians fell against a valiant Nice team, who came without 8 injured and/or suspended players. Yet it did not seem to affect the game of David Bolghavili’s players at all. From the first minutes, the Azureans took control and even scored their first try through the back row, Jonathan Mace.
Bourgoin was taken aback by the speed of the Nicois and struggled at the start of the match before gradually taking control. Despite the difficult playing conditions (light rain, wet field, and low temperature), both teams tried to play rugby. Numerous handling errors broke the rhythm and allowed both packs to test each other in the scrums, with the home team having the upper hand throughout the match. At least, until the 79th minute when the team from Isère led 17 to 11.
An Unbearable End of Match
6 points separated the two teams in the last minute. It was at this moment that the visitors decided to go for a lineout to chase victory. Twice, the Nice pack pushed their opponents back, who did not yield. It wasn’t until the 3rd lineout at 5m from the Bergalian goal line that the Nicois were finally able to build their maul. The forwards structured well around the ball and pushed forward. A bit too much, as the home team committed a mistake, and the referee awarded a penalty try to the Stade players, synonymous with 7 points. Nice edges out Bourgoin 18 to 17.
A Heroic Back Row
Throughout this match, the entire Nice team was in harmony. A special mention to the back row, who gave an outstanding performance. The Erskine-Malavard-Mace trio dominated the match. The Englishman, as usual, was relentless in defense, making numerous tackles, and displayed incredible generosity in attack with a large number of charges. More generally, the entire Azurean defense was incredible. The occupants of Pierre-Rajon multiplied their phases of play in the 22m area of Nice without being able to score points. On the other hand, the red and black attack was opportunistic, scoring points whenever they had the chance.
Broadcast for the first time on television on the L’ÉQUIPE channel, Stade Niçois showed skeptics that they would have to be reckoned with this season.
Next meeting, next Sunday at 3 PM in Vienne for confirmation.
Pierre Ferrand
