Under pouring rain, the league leader lived up to its status. Stade Niçois defeated Hyères 27-13 and maintains its lead at the top of the championship.
In their last home game before traveling, Alexandre Compan’s men were able to find solutions. Despite the unpredictable weather, they started the match with a penalty by Mathis Viard. The two teams neutralized each other until the 26th minute. After a lineout 5 meters out, Bolenaivalu managed to ground the ball in the in-goal area and scored the first try of the match. The teammates of the Nicois flanker wasted no time and secured their lead barely 10 minutes after their first try.
After a good move by Coutarde, the ball ended up near the try line. It was picked up and Bolenaivalu went on to score his second try of the match after 35 minutes of play. Stade Niçois went into halftime with a comfortable 20-6 lead.
Few points in the second half
The start of the second half, as often, favored the home team. After five minutes of play, Stade Niçois crossed the line again through their right prop Pupuma. Alexandre Compan’s men led comfortably 27-6, taking a secure lead. Despite a try from the Var team, the score did not change, and it was the Niçois who walked away with the 4 points of victory. A 27-13 victory in challenging conditions is reassuring. It bodes well before a major away game on the field of Carcassonne (3rd in the standings) next week. Only six regular-season matches remain before the playoffs begin.
