Defeated 29–24 in Cognac, Stade Niçois confirms its reputation as a team that struggles on the road, which is a blemish for a contender aiming for promotion to Pro D2. Stade Niçois picks up a defensive bonus point that will not console the Red and Black, as they are overtaken in the rankings by Chambéry and relegated to 6th place.
Qualification for the playoffs remains secure, as the Niçois have a still comfortable lead over Blagnac (10 points ahead), but this defeat against the last team in the championship casts a shadow over their prospects of advancing to the Pro D2.
Paradoxically, victory seemed evident at halftime, as the first half was one-sided for the Azuréen rugby players with two tries scored by Martin Freytes (4th minute) and then Slowik (20th minute), for a score of 15 to 8.
But the locals gradually came back into the match by stringing together penalties (17-18 at the hour mark). They eventually overtook the visitors with five minutes remaining with a seventh and then an eighth penalty (29–24 / 79th minute), a result of recurring indiscipline that too often penalizes Bogashivili’s players.
