Provence rugby did the job this Thursday evening in front of its Maurice-David audience. By winning against Colomiers (25-18), the Aixois won the first of the six finals they have left to play in the regular season. With three tries and the offensive bonus at stake, the Blacks temporarily return to one point behind Biarritz, sixth and last qualified for the finals.
Colomiers had however started this match very strongly, determined to stop a series of three consecutive defeats away from home. Without managing to flatten, the Columérins capitalized thanks to the foot of Thomas Girard (9-0).
Temporarily reduced to 14, the Aixois paradoxically played better at that time. Just before the siren, it was the Occitan hooker Thomas Larrieu who was sent to the fridge for ten minutes and Provence rugby took the opportunity to catch up thanks to the incoming Guillaume Piazzoli (10-12).
The Aixoise comeback continues in the second act
Back from the locker room, Provence still enjoyed a numerical superiority. Fijian prop Luke Tagi seized the opportunity to flatten a corner and put the hosts ahead for the first time in this game. Ten minutes later, the third line Piazzoli offered a double and Aix-en-Provence took the road to victory (22-12). Always impeccable in front of the poles, Thomas Girard gave hope to the Columériens but the match was somewhat chopped up to finish without a new try at 25-18 in favor of the Aixois.
With this success against a direct competitor five days from the end, Provence Rugby returns to a length of Biarritz, sixth. Colomiers remains fifth in Pro D2 but could leave the qualifying places in the event of victory for Nevers against Massy and for Vannes against Rouen on Saturday.
