A week after winning its first European match in history against Gloucester (43-19), RC Vannes is diving back into the championship and will taste the joys of matches during the end-of-year holidays, one more discovery for the Breton promoted this season. Last of the Top 14 with 15 points, Jean-Noël Spitzer’s men are clinging to their dream of remaining.
For the reception of Bayonne, they will rely on a newfound confidence: the convincing victory in La Rochelle (14-23) during the last day of the championship brought a smile back to the group. Even if for captain Francisco Gorrissen, the match against Bordeaux-Bègles, the week before (lost 29-37 after leading 29-0 in the 35th), served as a trigger. “We were disappointed with the scenario but we had an excellent first half, the best since I played in Vannes. We decided to build on that. »
Four points behind Pau (10th)
For three matches, the worst defense in the Top 14 (370 points conceded in 11 matches) has tightened the screws: 18.3 points conceded per match, where they were more than 25 before. Above all, the group raised its level to stay concentrated for 80 minutes and not experience weak times during which they conceded a lot of points. “From the start, we have known that a small mistake in the Top 14 is paid for in cash but we probably needed time to understand it,” admits the Argentine 3rd row. Taking only 14 points in La Rochelle, with a full match from the first to the last minute, proved to us that we could do it, and therefore do it again. We learn from our mistakes and we move forward. »
The European parenthesis (short defeat in Georgia 22-19 and victory against Gloucester 43-19) allowed the executives to breathe and confirm the glimpsed progress. It is therefore a team with more certainty and confidence which will welcome Bayonne (before moving to Pau then receiving Clermont). “It’s a decisive period for us, even if nothing will be done, whether we win or lose the next three matches. » With four points behind Pau (10th), the Vannes residents can get back on track if they succeed against Bayonne. “We are in the race and I have the feeling that we will be even stronger mentally and in the game during the return phase. »
RC Vannes relies on very strong cohesion, born from the title last season, an almost empty infirmary which allows the staff to compensate for a limited workforce and on a hinge in great shape: Lafage (95 points) and Ruru (4 tries in the last three matches). Two former Bayonnais who will not be the least motivated, this Saturday afternoon at La Rabine, which will display its 20th consecutive “sold out”.
Infirmary
Argentinian international Pedemonte is out for the Bayonne reception. The 3rd line suffers from a meniscus. Another absentee for this Saturday, hooker Béziat, injured in the back against Gloucester. Nakosi (foot) and Kite are in the recovery phase as is Jo Edwards, back from New Zealand, who should apply for the trip to Pau. On the other hand, Romaric Camou, released in the European Challenge, has validated his concussion protocol and is applying for this Saturday.
