4th in the second division of Rugby, USON Nevers has never been so close to making it to the Top 14. For that, we will have to go through the play-offs. We explain why this season could be the right one for the USON!
L’USON Nevers Rugby has a date with its history. This Thursday, May 12, the Nivernais won 30 to 6 against Montauban, synonymous with accession to the play-offs for the climb to the Top 14. Three years after their first play-offs, Xavier Péméja’s men have again qualified for the final phase.
The latter starts at home this Thursday against Carcassonne and the club expects a full stadium. Tickets have been on sale again since Tuesday morning. If the Neversois win, it will be necessary to go to Mont-de-Marsan to reach the final of the play-offs. The winner is crowned Pro D2 champion and goes to the Top 14. Can Nevers do it? At France 3 Bourgogne, we think so, and we explain why!
Because Nevers is impressively regular
In 2017, USON moved up to Pro D2 after a full season. For their first professional season (because the rugby championships are considered amateur below the Pro D2), the Neversois will achieve a remarkable exercise since they will finish 7th at 23 points from the first relegation. French rugby has understood this, Nevers is not there to play extras!
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6th in 2019, 5th in 2020, 7th in 2021, 4th this year… Nevers constantly plays in the upper part of the table and validates their participation in the play-offs for this 2021-2022 exercise.
Because they came close to the feat in 2019
In 2019, Nevers finished at the sixth places and qualifies for the finals. The Burgundians go to Bayonne, third in the championship. A complicated match is announced and the specialists see Aviron bayonnais pass easily.
The meeting will become even more complicated for the Neversois, since one of them will quickly receive a red card and leave their partners in numerical inferiority. Xavier Péméja’s men did not give up, however, and remained in the game until the end. Final score 32-26, and three tries scored. At 14 against 15, Nevers gave Bayonne, future Pro D2 champion, a hard time.
Sandrine Vallet, supporter club secretary Azur et Oradmits that it was a beautiful moment, however a little early in the history of the club. “It was good to have this kind of match but it was still a little early. We were a young Pro D2 team. It’s still a great experience that will be remembered and which will count for the play-offs coming”she thinks.
Because there is a healthy and complete group
Nevers has taken a step forward this season and the atmosphere within the group has played a major role. We feel a close-knit team, an essential aspect for the upcoming deadlines. This cohesion allowed them to better manage the end of matches and take valuable points.
Guillaume Clerc, journalist from the center newspaper who assiduously follows the USON, explains that everything was decided in the off-season. “The departures of certain players have been good for the atmosphere in the group, there is more solidarity this season and it will be important for the final stages. The players said that the group is living better than in recent years”he says.
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If this group is healthy, it is also complete and cut to be effective over one season. The strength of this workforce is its bench depth. An undeniable asset to be efficient over time according to Sandrine Vallet. “We are lucky in each line to have reserve in case of injury. Our turnover is effective, as strong on the pitch as on the bench”she points out.
We have seen an osmosis created over the rugby seasons.
Sandrine Valet
Secretary of the Azur et Or supporter club
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Perhaps the most striking example is at scrum half. Shaun Reynolds, the South African incumbent, relies on his kicking and management skills while his replacement Tanguy Ménoret is a very attacking player who carries the ball.
A complementarity difficult to read for the adversary according to Guillaume Clerc. “The depth of the squad allows the coach to have different tactical options but also freshness at the end of the season. This will play into these play-offs”, he analyzes. A factor that can count against Carcassonne and its smaller workforce.
Because Shaun Reynolds is essential
On September 10 against Oyonnax, he gives victory to his team. On October 8, he did it again against Colomiers with a superb kick. Shaun Reynolds makes the beautiful days of Nevers. 2nd best scorer in the championship, the South African was able to find his marks very quickly for his first full year. Seriously injured at the start of last season, the opener made himself indispensable, in particular thanks to an infallible kicking game.
If the USON is having its best season since its arrival in Pro D2, it is also partly thanks to Shaun Reynolds, according to Guillaume Clerc. “He arrived like a rookie following his injury. He helped win games at the end of the match thanks to his efficiency on foot, that’s his great strength. He reassures his team and turns the highlights into points on the board display”, he indicates.
For Sandrine Vallet, Shaun Reynolds improves the group. “We have a very good kicker, he is one of the best. His colleagues know that in important matches he is present, everyone has confidence in him”she reveals.
Because Nevers has already won against the leaders of the championship
In 2021-2022, USON Nevers knows how to raise its level of play against the top 6 in the championship. Carcassonne, Oyonnax, Colomiers, Bayonne… Nevers has always been able to excel against the big teams and bring back points.
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More experienced players and ready for the big moments according to Guillaume Clerc. “They have a strength of character that they didn’t have in other years. This season, they don’t let go of matches, they manage to remobilize and this aspect will be decisive for the future.”he confides.
It is often said that we are not a land of rugby compared to the south but we show every year that this is not true.
Sandrine Valet
Secretary of the Azur et Or supporter club
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Sandrine Vallet believes in it and she hopes that the whole city will be behind the team. “She is always there where you least expect her. The staff do everything to ensure that the players are at their best mentally and physically”she says. “We have a very good team capable of taking us far. Our president is ready in the event of accession and he will do what is necessary for Nevers to host the Top 14 next year.”
USON face Carcassonne in the first round of the play-offs. An opposition that has given intense and close matches this season but the Neversois seem ready. Pushed by their public, can Nevers take this first step? Answer this Thursday.
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