After three matches without a win (2 losses, 1 draw), Stade Niçois returns to success by easily defeating Rugby Club Aubagnais with a score of 32-6, securing an offensive bonus point. Weakened by numerous injuries, the Niçois delivered a full match and regained confidence.
It had been a month and five days since Stade Niçois last tasted victory, which was during the first match of the season against Saint-Savin (25-10). A very (too) long time for a team aiming for the finals next April. The reception of Aubagne, last season’s French Fédérale 3 champion and Nice’s conqueror in the Round of 16, was a good test for Gilbert Doucet’s men.
You couldn’t be late to this encounter between the 6th and 8th teams of group 3 in Fédérale 2 (4th national tier) because right from the 2nd minute, Stade Niçois took the lead with a try from fullback Thomas Sorreaux. It all started with excellent work from Karp in his camp, who eluded several opponents before serving the Nice No. 15 with a 60-meter try on a platter. It’s only logical that Stade Niçois leads in this first half despite a yellow card given to Cazanave for repeated offenses. At the 14th minute, Benstaali scored a drop goal, Nice then leads 10-3. The Niçois fullback, Thomas Sorreaux, once again, doubles the score in the 23rd minute. He slips past several opponents before forcefully grounding the ball, 15-6, the gap is made. Injured in the shoulder, the best Niçois player had to leave the field a little before halftime.
“We had fun playing today. Our work is taking shape little by little and it pays off as we progress with each game. We’re regaining confidence, building bonds within the group, it’s positive for what’s next,” admitted the wing kicker David Karp at the end of the match.
The second half is significantly less thrilling, with defenses prevailing over attacks and numerous penalties whistled on both sides. Few effective attacks and breakthroughs to savor. We had to wait until the 67th minute for the Niçois scrum-half Florian Echabe’s try. Cleverly, at 5 meters out, he takes a quick penalty and dives into the goal area despite two defenders. This try allows the Niçois to temporarily secure the offensive bonus (3 more tries than the opponent). The end of the match was tense, Aubagne was very close to scoring a try twice, but two minutes from the end, David Karp scored a 50-meter try and sealed the game’s outcome. With four tries to zero, Stade Niçois wins 32-6.
“I saw a lot of solidarity despite a reshuffled team. We were solid on the basics with a good conquest allowing for good launches. Defense is the key sector, it’s the launch pad. When you defend well, you attack well,” explains Jean-François Depresle, the forwards coach.
Photo credits and more information at www.stadenicois.fr
