Pro D2 – What to remember from day 20: Provence rugby never gives up, Béziers new leader

The match: a duel that holds all its promise for Provence rugby

Besides the stakes, there was suspense, class gestures, combat and strategic warfare for this duel at the top between Provence Rugby and Venez. Only between two teams who were already the leaders of the Pro D2 this season, the duel kept all its promises and it is the Provençals who can smile. In the Maurice-David Stadium which experienced the best attendance in its history, Mauricio Reggiardo’s men were able to resist the ambitious Venez (16-13).

Thanks to Lafage’s drop and Finau’s try, the locals took the lead for the first time, who heroically faced the onslaught of the visitors camped in the opposition camp, however, without wanting to take points on the various penalties earned. The result ultimately benefited… Béziers, who became the leader of Pro D2 for the first time this season. The race for a direct semi-final promises to be exciting.

Gesture: The Enormous “5-22” by Nanaï-Williams

To say that is an understatement Beziers was pushed early in the match on his lawn By Mont-de-Marsan. Dominating territorially and in possession for a Mons side who also scored thanks to an interception by Wakaya, Biterois trailed 10 to 0 after half an hour and found themselves cornered again. After a Mons scrum on the opposition’s 22m line, more than one might have thought the score would go in favor of the visitors. It was quite the opposite.

After Bitterois stole the ball, it was Tim Nenai-Williams, who was placed in the middle this Friday, who inherited it. With the wind at his back, he fired a cannonball with his right foot five meters in front of his goal. Crossing the field, the ball died after a few bounces… after the Mons 22m line. An incredible “5-22” that led to action after Alquier’s try. The match started on that.

Confirmation: Dex, promoted to Cane

No, Dex doesn’t really look like a graduate anymore. We’re not going to lie, not many people would have bet on this decoys team at the start of the season but it’s clear they’re on their way more quietly than we could have imagined. Again this Friday evening against Soyaux-Angoulême, Jeff Dubois’ men outscored the day’s visitors 20-0 in the first period before winning 25-5.

Confident in his strength, Landais seems increasingly free in the game that suits him so well, able to push his opponent to the mall as well as score thanks to a beautiful three-quarter spurt. Ninth in the standings after this win against SA XV, the Decks widened the gap to the bottom of the table a bit further and confirmed that the new energy was not a flash in the pan after a difficult start to the season.

Observation: To Rouen, it smells like pine

This Friday in Aguilera, the duel between Biarritz and Rouen was special. The two lowest ranked teams in the championship met to play a scare match. A meeting that can be held in context, often makes the players tense. Only no, Biarritz did not detail and once again ensured a quiet victory on his soil against the overwhelmed Normans.

Furthermore, the results start sending chills down your spine. With this defeat, Rouen is eleven points behind their evening opponents and Soyaux-Angoulême in the standings. With nine days to go, the masses are still far from telling, but it seems hard to imagine a team that was eaten alive from last in the standings, getting back on track…

Stats: Haouas’ first attempt at Pro D2

Arriving on Basque soil in the off-season, Mohamed Houas Pro took his first steps in D2 on the first day of the championship. An undisputed starter on the right side of the scrum, he has missed just two games this season. Against Rouen, the French international scored his first try in Olympique Biertz colours.

While the Bierotts found themselves in trouble against the day’s visitors, the Hauas made work of his pack. After a nice touch at the back of the lineout, the right-back escaped an effective maul to fire himself into goal. The two unfortunate Rouen defenders were unable to do anything …

Player: Ambadiang, still there

It’s one of those things that’s hard to do without. From his first step into the Nevers jersey, he hasn’t gone unnoticed. Christian Ambadiang struck again against Agen. It’s simple, the USON winger is always on the right track and it’s far from a coincidence. He’s very comfortable in his lane thanks to his burst of speed that sidesteps a large number of defenders. Attacking the line more is also necessary.

He showed that again this Friday evening by allowing his team to get some air on numerous occasions. In the lead, this success of several meters led to his team’s first try and a new achievement (6th try of the season) that brought balm to the heart after returning from the locker room.

Proclaim: Visionary Pierre Kellett

Raoul-Barrier’s audience went cold. In the fourth minute, Bitterois conceded a try following a block by Nakani Wakaya. During the first half hour, Rouge et Bleu was physically dominant and did not manage to carry out in their den as usual.

ASBH coach, Pierre Kellet, interviewed on Canal+, has nothing to stress about: “Mont-de-Marsan always has a great first half”. Then, the technician visited in the second act, where his team still played against the wind. Result: 15-0 to Landise who also received a red card. Visionary Pierre Callet!