the essentials In this clash at the top, Racing lost in Nice and took no points for the first time this season (30-16). Severely lacking success in conquest, without possession for most of the match, the Audois abandoned the championship leadership position.
It was the meeting which was to define the new leader of the National. And decide between Nice and Narbonne, tied on points until then. A real big test for the RCN. But the task was immense at the Arboras stadium, since this Nice team was undefeated at home since the start of the season. However, the Audois remained on four consecutive victories against this team, but this series ended this Saturday afternoon (30-16 defeat). There will be no fifth consecutive success. Julien Seron’s men experienced their first real disappointment of the season and, above all, for the first time, they left a trip without any points in their bags.
Narbonne misses the knockout
However, all the ingredients were there for the Narbonnais to achieve the feat of imposing themselves on this land that had until then been blessed for them. The stand was packed, the weather was ideal on the French Riviera and the temperature was worthy of a spring meeting. This match felt like the final phase. And the first minutes were not going to contradict this impression. The actors have ants in their legs. Attacked by enterprising locals, the Audois are imprecise, lacking ammunition, possessions and, above all, they struggle to conquer. In this committed encounter, the players leave feathers, a lot of feathers. Like Baptiste Abescat, stunned, who has to abandon his partners.
Unlike the Niçois who have clear ideas and unlock the score on the scoreboard with a penalty. A little too harsh, the referee heavily punishes Racing. Thibault Clauzade and Charles Malet go to the fridge 10 minutes, before the penalty try. Narbonne pays cash for the slightest indiscipline. It will finally be necessary to wait until the hour mark for the match to get carried away (16-9). On a first-hand class action and a formidable collective movement, Narbonne releases Pierre-Hugo Ducom for the first try in the game. The “orange and black” think they have done the hardest part by coming back to the score. But the Audois fail to score the KO try on the dismissal. They are penalized in scrum and no points will be scored. Once again, the conquest is sorely lacking in the “orange and black” side. Their chance has passed. Nice gets back up and doesn’t need to be asked to put an end to the tense climate in the stands. Two tries in ten minutes (30-16).
Digest and settle this defeat
This means that Racing Club Narbonnais’ hopes of winning on the Côte d’Azur are over. The Audois did not come far from an immense feat, but they left with zero points. Narbonne knows where the shoe pinches, particularly in conquest, which is the black spot this afternoon. Whether in scrum or touchline. These sectors did not allow us to take control of the game. On the contrary, the defense was heroic once again. She was not adequately rewarded. The lowered heads of the players as they left the locker room clearly showed the disappointment and frustration of this result. It’s just a defeat, not a catastrophe. Far from there. Especially since the “orange and black” retain their place in the Top 2 of the championship, tied on points with Albi (56). A place that they clearly want to obtain on the evening of April 27 during the last championship match.
In the meantime, the return will help the Narbonnais to digest this defeat. On sale. And already moving on to the week of rest which will slowly lead to the third consecutive trip, to Bourgoin (February 10 at 6:30 p.m.). Another big piece to come for Racing.
2024-01-28 08:43:43
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