In Top 14, Aviron Bayonnais created a surprise in Mayol and is approaching a small point from Pau, with another game late. In Pro D2, the BOPB took the first step against a big team, while the Stade Montois confirmed their return to form. The match against Scotland having been postponed, the internationals returned to their clubs while awaiting the Crunch (March 13).
–Toulon-Bayonne (14-16): a very good deal!
With another game late (reception of Agen), theBayonnais rowing got into a position to get out of the red zone by coming back to 1 point from Pau and 2 from Montpellier. This trip to the harbor was a good test, before receiving successively Lyon (6 mars), Agent (March 13) and Racing (March 27), then go to Pau (17 avril).
On the menu for the home stretch: the receptions of Castres (April 24) and Bordeaux (May 8), then two trips to Toulouse (May 15) and to Montpellier (May 29), before ending the regular season by receiving the French stadium (June 5).
The Basques managed this meeting perfectly with a state of mind that opens up solid hopes. Despite 30 minutes outnumbered, they showed a lot of heart to forget the humiliation suffered in Clermont.
After the match, Yannick Bru dedicated this victory to Jean Grenet, the former mayor of Bayonne, who died this week.
The turning point of the match was the try of the new recruit, Amosa (47th), precious by his power and his experience. He allowed Rowing to take the lead by two points (10-8) and give themselves a boost to the mental.
After a stressful crossover in the score, it was the young Thomas Dolhagaray (20), who entered the opening without complex, who passed the winning goal (78th). Quite a symbol!
Bayonne was reassured with an aggressive defense from start to finish, which foiled the Var, and a foolproof mentality.
Pau at rest, to get off on the right foot
For the Section Paloise, the next few days should help to fully digest the disillusionment of the defeat against Toulon at the Hameau, last weekend. He must, in fact, intensively prepare two complicated trips to Bordeaux (March 6) then to Castres (27 mars).
The following will follow: the reception of Bayonne for the derby (April 17) which could be decisive; then trips to French stadium (April 24) and at Agent (May 8); the reception of Racing (May 15), shipping to La Rochelle (May 29) and finally the reception of Montpellier to close the regular season (June 5).
Bayonne’s victory at Toulon added a lot of pressure to the Section, which potentially finds itself in a barrage position. Indeed, Rowing still has one game late: the reception of the red lantern, Agen.
Late matches
Friday February 26 : Toulon-Bayonne (14-16)
Saturday February 27 : Agen-Clermont (2:45 p.m., Canal +) and La Rochelle-Toulouse (9:05 p.m., Canal +)
Top 14 ranking
Three clubs have escaped in the race for a direct qualification for the semi-finals. Four more are well placed for the final stages, while 4 more are in ambush. 3 teams are in a fight to avoid the relegation play-off. Agen is almost doomed to Pro D2.
- Direct qualification for the semi-finals: La Rochelle (58, 1 match less), Racing (58)
- Qualification for the play-offs: Toulouse (57, 1 match less), Clermont (50, 1 match less), Bordeaux (49), Toulon (47)
- Ranking midpoint: Lyon (43), Stade Français (40), Brive (39), Castres (39), Montpellier (32), Pau (31)
- Relegation: Bayonne (30, 1 match less), Agen (2, 2 matches less)
18th day of the Top 14
Friday March 5 : Montpellier-Clermont (8:45 p.m., Canal + Sport)
Saturday March 6 : Toulouse-Brive (2:45 p.m., Canal + Sport); Bayonne-Lyon, Bordeaux-Pau, Castres-La Rochelle, Stade Français-Agen (5 p.m., Rugby +); Racing-Toulon (9:05 p.m., Canal +)
Biarritz-Grenoble (22-13): firmly established on the podium
After his defeat in Carcassonne, the Biarritz Olympique wanted to regain victory against one of the big teams in the championship. Mission successful. With now 20 points ahead of the 7th, he is almost guaranteed to play the final stages. The soundtrack will follow with a trip to Valence (March 5) and the reception ofOyonnax (12 mars).
The Basques produced a good start which allowed them to make the break (11-0) thanks in particular to a try from Jalagonia (18th), before losing a little ground at the half hour. On returning from the locker room, they managed to dominate their visitors despite a numerical inferiority. A good period materialized by a try of Barry (43rd) which allowed Biarritz to take 12 lengths in advance.
Despite tough opponents, the Basques have perfectly mastered the debate and could have put themselves more safely without 13 points dropped at the foot.
Mont-de-Marsan-Carcassonne (26-23): a victory that gives you a breath of fresh air
The staff had decided to trust the team that went to win an enhanced victory in Valencia last weekend. This victory of Stade Montois against the Audois allows the Landais to move away a little more from the red zone, taking 9 points ahead of the first relegation. A good thing before going to the leader Vannes (March 5) then to receive Grenoble (12 mars).
The Landais were very scared at the end, but were able to preserve this precious success. The difference was made thanks to the precision of the boot of Laousse-Azpiazu, author of a 100% at the foot.
It all started badly, with a worrying first period that allowed the visitors to take the lead at the break (6-13). Returning from the locker room, the Montois took matters in hand with determination, signing two tries by De Nardi (45th) and Gonzalez (57th), thus taking the lead by 7 points (23-16).
With renewed solidarity and great commitment, the Landais can see the future with more serenity.
21st day of Pro D2
Thursday February 25 : Nevers-Colomiers (15-23)
Friday February 26 : Biarritz-Grenoble (22-13), Mont-de-Marsan-Carcassonne (26-23), Angoulême-Vannes (6-38), Aurillac-Montauban (25-27), Béziers-Provence (31-15), Perpignan-Valence (24-20), Rouen-Oyonnax (37-25).
Pro D2 ranking
The Pro D2 is split into 4 groups. First, Perpignan, Vannes and Biarritz who took the lead. Four well-placed teams follow for the finals. Then, 4 teams remain in contention to try to qualify. Finally, 5 teams are in a fight for maintenance, even if Mont-de-Marsan with 2 games late can hope to take a little air.
- Direct qualification for the semi-finals: Vannes (76), Perpignan (75)
- Qualification for dams: Biarritz (67), Oyonnax (57), Colomiers (57), Nevers (52),
- Ranking midpoint: Grenoble (47), Montauban (47), Béziers (41), Provence (39), Carcassonne (39),
- Aurillac (37), Mont-de-Marsan (37, 1 match less), Rouen (34)
- Relegation: Valence Romans (28, 1 game less), Angoulême (20)
22nd day of Pro D2
Thursday March 4 : Oyonnax-Perpignan (6.30 p.m.), Vannes-Mont-de-Marsan (8.45 p.m.).
Friday March 5 : Valence-Biarritz (6:45 p.m.); Carcassonne-Aurillac, Montauban-Béziers, Provence-Angoulême, Rouen-Nevers (7 p.m.)
Sunday March 7 : Grenoble-Colomiers (3 p.m.)
–
