Second in the championship, Stade Niçois traveled to face Chambéry (11th) on their field. A tricky match lay ahead for the protégés of David Bolgashvili and Martin Jagr.
Stade Niçois had a major opportunity this Sunday. By winning against Chambéry, the team from the French Riviera had the chance to take the lead in the standings, following Bourg-en-Bresse’s defeat on Albi’s field (17-16).
Nice started the match poorly. From the kickoff by Chambéry, they committed a knock-on. The hosts benefited from a penalty thereafter, and the kicker Danré Gerber gave his team the lead with a penalty from 22m slightly off-center (3-0, 1st min). Chambéry continued their momentum. After the Riviera team held onto the ball illegally on the ground, Gerber landed another penalty from 50m in front of the posts (6-0, 4th min).
Nice finally entered the game. On their first foray into the opposition’s 22m, the forwards got the machine going with a driving maul. Following a pick and go sequence, Jean-Blaise Lespinasse managed to power over the line for the match’s first try (6-5, 8th min).
The Niçois were very undisciplined at the start of the match. Lea’ana committed a high tackle. From 20m in front of the posts, Gerber took pleasure in increasing the lead for the locals (9-5, 15th min). Nice responded a few minutes later through their kicker Matthew James, from 30m slightly to the right (9-8, 24th min).
However, the major downside of this first half was the discipline on Nice’s side. James Lasis received a yellow card for repeated infringements. Although Gerber left due to injury, Yann Caillat took his place successfully and added three points to their tally (12-8, 27th min).
Nice weathered the storm and proved very efficient. After another driving maul by the forwards, the ball was spread out to the wing where a superb first-phase attack by the backs allowed Augustin Slowik to score the second try for Nice (12-15, 39th min). At halftime, Paul Champin’s partners had the upper hand due to their impeccable execution.
The power of the forwards makes the difference
Nice started the second half well. The forwards earned a penalty after a good scrum effort. From 40m in front of the posts, Matthew James widened the gap (12-18, 45th min). The Riviera forwards continued their tireless work. Louis Martin managed to score the bonus-point try after another devastating driving maul (12-25, 51st min).
But Chambéry didn’t give up. The hosts decided to take their chances from their own half. The attacks were sharp, and the Nice defense eventually opened up spaces. The flanker Thomas Coignat capitalized to score a try and revive the suspense (19-25, 66th min).
After enduring long minutes, Nice regained possession of the ball. The forwards, who delivered an outstanding performance, put their opponents under constant pressure. Chambéry received a yellow card for collapsing a maul. On the subsequent lineout, Martin Freytes managed to restore the bonus point for Nice following another driving maul (19-32, 75th min).
At the end of the match, Chambéry earned a scrum on their 30m but lost the ball. The Niçois played the counterattack perfectly, and Slowik scored a brace after being launched down the blindside (19-37, 80th min).
Thanks to this bonus-point win, Stade Niçois made a significant move and took first place in the Nationale championship! Good news ahead of the match against Massy, in 15 days, at Stade des Arboras.
