The Section Paloise and the BOPB therefore opened the ball of the oval victoriously, after an interminable truce; Rowing was the victim of its indiscipline. The season begins in a context of absolute uncertainty and in a climate of concern in the face of an epidemic which is recovering.
–Biarritz Olympique is shaping up to be one of the favorites for Pro D2. For its part, Stade Montois has chosen the youth card to find new ambitions.
In Top 14, Section Paloise and Aviron Bayonnais intend to take a step forward this season by aiming for the finals.
Brive-Bayonne (42-23) – Rowing pays dearly for its indiscipline
Bad evening for Bayonnais Rowing who was overwhelmed in the first period by unbridled Corréziens. Despite a start after the break, Yannick Bru’s men were never able to threaten their hosts. We will have to find more flame for the reception of the Jaunards de Clermont on Saturday.
This Sunday evening, mass was said at the break, with a heavy and deserved 27-6 for Brivists in demonstration. Nothing to say, the Corrézienne domination was so strong. Except in closed scrum where Bayonne showed good qualities. But Basque indiscipline made things even more complicated.
From the 17th minute, Peyo Muscarditz came out on yellow card for anti-play; then, it was the turn of Perese (37th) and Taofifenua (59th). Distanced, the Bayonnais tried to return to the match. A penalty try (47th) and another signed by Ulugia (54th) gave some hope to their supporters, but which was quickly showered by the Corréziens.
Montpellier-Pau (23-26) – The Section seized its chance
Everything changed in the 47th minute of play with the try refused in Montpellier and the expulsion of Camara (charge with the elbow forward). While the Héraultais were able to kill the match by taking a 17 point lead, the Section Paloise regained confidence and was looking for this success after the siren, with her guts and… her melee.
The season could not have started better for Pau who will have to confirm next Friday with the reception of Agen.
It must be admitted, nobody really believed in such a victory in this stadium deemed invulnerable. Especially after a first half where Montpellier had shown itself to be much superior and could have definitely taken off, without a dazzling breakthrough by Hastoy sending Le Bail on trial (24th).
It is therefore with the exit of Camara that the tide turned: the Héraultais began to chain faults, often stupid, losing the thread of their rugby; the Béarnais have regained energy and regained their confidence, seeing a great opportunity to be seized. In addition, at the hour of play, we felt the Héraultais tired and unreservedly to preserve their victory; perhaps the consequence of a truncated preparation with only one friendly match in the legs.
It is therefore the melee, the fatal weapon of the Béarnais at the start of the season, which sought the feat after the siren, by pushing in the blue pack and snatching a penalty attempt. Well done the “big guys”, thank you coach Thomas Domingo!
1st day of Top 14
Brive-Bayonne (42-23), Montpellier-Pau (23-26), La Rochelle-Toulon (29-15), Agen-Castres (22-26), Lyon-Racing (23-27), Clermont-Toulouse ( 33-30).
Postponed : Stade Français-Bordeaux.
Day 2 of Top 14
- Friday September 11: Pau-Agen and Racing-Montpellier (8:45 p.m.)
- Saturday September 12: Toulouse-La Rochelle (3.15 p.m.); Bayonne-Clermont and Bordeaux-Brive (6.15 p.m.)
- Sunday September 13: Castres-Stade Français (8:45 p.m.) and Toulon-Lyon (9 p.m.)
Mont-de-Marsan-Béziers: With the desire to surprise
Monday September 7 at 7 p.m.
Funny start for this season. Covid obliges, the match is therefore played after the weekend. We are waiting to see the first face that this largely renewed team will show, bringing together experienced players with high potential and young people full of talent. All managed by Patrick Milhet, with young retirees Julien Tastet and Rémi Talès at his side.
Among the recruits to follow in particular: in 3rd row, the Argentinian Santiago Montagner; in the center, the Fijian Vereniki Goneva.
The starting XV : Laousse-Azpiazu – Naituvi, Goneva, Desaubies, Cabannes – (o) Smaili – (m) Loustalot – Garrault, Montagner, Wavrin – Cedaro, Durand – Castinel, David, Muzzio.
The substitutes : Latterrade, Bultel, Rey, Brethous, Saubusse, Wakaya, Jacquelain, Laval
Biarritz-Perpignan (21-12) – A very promising first act
This Thursday evening, the Biarritz Olympique Basque Country marked his territory, facing one of the top names in Pro D2, confirming the fine intentions unveiled during the preparation matches. A good thing before going to test yourself outside, with the Montalbanais.
The Basques largely dominated the first half (15-0) and could have killed the match with a little more success, especially with 10 minutes to 15 against 13 (two successive yellow cards for the Blood and Gold before the break) . Two essays by Saili and Barry illustrated the edge of this team and its cavalry. Back from the locker room, change of scenery: The Catalans got their hands on the game, coming back to the score. But with calm and control, the BO preserved a well-deserved victory.
A good performance with seven of the summer recruits who showed their ability to integrate quickly, including the former All-Black (29 years old, 2 caps) Francis Saili untenable in the center, and the Fijian Henry Speight, ex- international with Australia (32, 19 caps), striking at the back. Also showed great things: Brieuc Plessis-Couillaud (from La Rochelle) in the center, Gilles Bosch (Carcassonne) at the opening, John Dyer (Racing) in 3rd row, Kevin Gimeno (Castres) in 2nd row, and François Da Ros (Brive) on tailgating.
1st day of Pro D2
Biarritz-Perpignan (21-12), Angoulême-Provence (23-28), Valence-Colomiers (32-19), Vannes-Aurillac (30-22), Grenoble-Nevers (27-17)
Monday September 7 : Mont-de-Marsan-Béziers (7 p.m.)
Postponed : Rouen-Carcassonne and Oyonnax-Montauban.
2nd day of Pro D2
- Thursday September 10: Perpignan-Mont de Marsan (8:45 p.m.)
- Friday September 11: Provence-Vannes, Béziers-Angoulême, Carcassonne-Oyonnax, Colomiers-Rouen, Nevers-Valence (7 p.m.)
- Saturday September 12: Aurillac-Grenoble (8:45 p.m.)
- Sunday September 13: Montauban-Biarritz (2 p.m.)
–
