Stade Niçois clinched their second away victory of the season at Six-Fours, winning 17 to 31, and it was no small feat, as the Var team are among the contenders for qualification.
The kickoff was given under a fickle sky, cloudy and sometimes rainy. The Niçois, as usual, put pressure on the locals right from the start. However, they had to contend with a well-organized and aggressive defense that often cut off the flanks.
During the first ten minutes, the defenses took precedence over the offenses of both teams, which struggled to maintain possession of the ball. Moreover, the Niçois were too undisciplined during this period to truly threaten Six-Fours. Nevertheless, solid in their set-pieces, the red and black team relied on the fundamentals of lineouts and scrums, and an outstanding Adrian Malavard, who scored 26 points. It was indeed from a driving maul after a lineout captured 5 meters from the Var goal line that the players scored the first try of the match through Benjamin Musso. Following the conversion, the score moved to 10 to 0, since Malavard had previously kicked a 55-meter penalty. However, after a poorly caught restart and subsequent pressure, the Azurins conceded a try, which revitalized Six-Fours. At halftime, the Niçois led 19 to 10.
Returning from the locker room, the Var team was determined to make a comeback, but the Niçois did not falter. The early second half was quite scrappy overall, with both teams struggling to maintain their phases of play. After weathering the storm, it was the Niçois who resumed control of the game.
After a fine move, it was Adrien Malavard who concluded with a beautiful pass from hooker Sami Jaber, who was then playing as number eight. The third try was scored by the same Malavard following a break through the middle by David Bonnichon. After the conversion, the score rose to 31 to 10, and the players began to believe in the offensive bonus. Unfortunately, it was Six-Fours who would have the last word, scoring a try in the last play of the match. 17 to 31, Nice left Var with a victory and remains on track for qualification.
Next match, hosting Vallée du Gapeau on Saturday, November 23rd, with a must-win, especially since the next day Aubagne, the group leader, plays away at Martigues. A good opportunity for the Niçois to take the lead in the standings.
