Grenoble Rugby Club’s Season: A Rollercoaster Ride

For Grenoble, the sixth block of the championship ended with a resounding slap: a defeat at Nevers (31-14, April 15), while receiving five yellow cards in the 2nd period, during which the Alpines will have evolved to 14 , then 13, then 12, then 11 against 15. A real nightmare…

For Grenoble, the sixth block of the championship ended with a resounding slap: a defeat at Nevers (31-14, April 15), while receiving five yellow cards in the 2nd period, during which the Alpines will have evolved to 14 , then 13, then 12, then 11 against 15. A real nightmare! But this grotesque evening should not make us forget all that has been achieved by the Rouge et Bleu. Before this accident in the Nièvre, the FCG was the best club in the return phase, with 41 points gleaned (8 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses; 5 bonuses) which made it go up from qualifying for the truce (5th) to dolphin of Oyonnax.

The goal for the start of the season (qualifying for the final stages) was achieved three days from the end and Fabien Gengenbacher recalled his pride in the progress made: “We are second with a two-point lead (over third) and there are two games left. We have our destiny in our hands. I remember that my players, for three and a half months, have not cut. They went 8 out of 11 (in wins) and I congratulate them. To do such a series, it’s very positive, it’s even great. Today, we have a very good end to the season to experience. »

A fight of five

No one, between Drac and Isère (the two rivers crossing Grenoble), hides the real objective of the end of the season: to keep this place of dolphin occupied since the 21st day and synonymous with a direct semi-final at home. This rank, the Isérois would already occupy it for sure, or almost, if the Professional Championship Control Commission (CCCP) had not sanctioned them in November: 5 points less in the classification (including two suspended) and 20,000 euro fine. Without these three points, the FCG (79 pts) remains under threat from Mont-de-Marsan (3rd, 77 pts), Nevers (4th, 76 pts), Agen (5th, 76 pts) and Vannes (6th, 76 pts). ). All of them already qualified, but who are going to tear each other apart on April 27, 28 and May 5 for the places of honour.

This is why the FCG approaches the last two days (in Biarritz on Friday and against Vannes in a week) with one idea in mind: to win to avoid a barrage (May 11 or 12). “Emotions like frustration, anger and disappointment are good, they challenge. It gives a little appetite, “said Fabien Gengenbacher, after Nevers.

Its entire workforce met on Monday, after a more than welcome week off (the first since January), with enthusiasm. And almost complete. The FCG deplores only two long-term injuries: the pillar Vincent Vial (shoulder) and the winger or center Atu Manu (tibia). Touched in Vannes (odds), the opener or center Romain Barthélémy is uncertain.

The Grenoble staff – also made up of Basque Arnaud Heguy (forwards) and ex-Biarrot Nicolas Nadau (backs) – must also do without the services of center Terrence Hepetema (suspended for three yellow cards). On the other hand, he recovers the Fijian third line Pio Muarua (suspension purged).