The Ile-de-France team played with fire in Brittany but achieved a success that was as short as it was precious (24-27).
“There is no urgency”, repeated Racing 92 manager Stuart Lancaster last week after another setback against La Rochelle. However, after three losses in four matches and with content that was not very exciting, the Ciel et Blanc had to raise their heads in Vannes this Saturday. And it’s done, at the end of the suspense (24-27).
However, Gaël Fickou’s teammates did the hardest part at the end of the match, even leading by 10 points five minutes from time. But a last-minute attempt by the former member of the house, Thomas Moukoro, restarted everything. Racing 92 negotiated a final touch to win and give some breathing space.
Finishers at the level
Faced with an eye-catching Vannes team and in the lead from the 10th minute after a try from New Zealand winger Rayasi (9th), the Lancaster men initially chased the score. Returning to the competition after being sidelined following domestic violence, the Fijian Vinaya Habosi revived his team after a quarter of an hour of play.
A penalty from Le Garrec (34th) will allow his team to keep the momentum but a goal from hooker Blanchard, on the siren (40th), allowed the Bretons to take a seven-point lead at the break (17-10). Returning from the locker room, the Racingmen came back with better intentions and scored a strong try by new Australian hooker Kaitu’u (57th).
Multiplying attacks in front of the opposing goal line, the Ciel et Blanc took off thanks to a try from Fickou (64th), well served by Spring at the end of the line. Racing 92 remains temporarily in a soft spot while Vannes suffers a second consecutive setback.
