LThe new year is approaching, but nothing happens. Traveling to Colomiers, Biarritz confirmed what we have known since the 4th day: he no longer knows how to travel. At Michel-Bendichou, Boris Bouhraoua's players showed a new face, with daring play in attack and a much more permissive defense than usual. A losing bet, despite a slightly crazy last ten minutes where the Biarrots almost gave us the Christmas miracle (29-20).
At the break, they might harbor upset feelings. In the score, they were only 6 points behind (19-13), and could even have been even closer, or even ahead, with fewer approximations in the offensive choices and insufficient clearing. Not a gift for Pagès, back as a starter for the first time since September 20 and the defeat at Montauban (29-26).
Despite these unclean rucks, Boris Bouhraoua's players dared to have the ball in hand. Kibirige, almost weaned off the ball, and Perraux sent shivers through Michel-Bendichou's stands. Du Preez found the opening with a great serve from Fa'asalele and a close start from Matthews (22nd). Retière applied himself against the poles to convert the opportunities left by the Columérins.
Three tries in 25 minutes
But the Biarrots were especially pierced three times, almost each time the locals were able to carry the ball into the opposing camp. Timu, from the 6th minute of play, was having fun upwind: off-load then finishing behind the line (7-0). Punishment again when Marta responded straight away to the hot Biarritz weather, broke a first tackle, served Alonso Munoz who gave Pacome the try (14-3, 19th).
Yet another, in the wake of Du Preez's reduction of the gap: De la Vega pierced the first curtain, Alonso Munoz followed with the foot for Marta, faster in the race than Dakuwaqa (19-10, 24th). We knew the Columérins backs were restless, but not the Basque defense so crumbly.
The defense of Colomiers further disgusted the Biarrots, unable to realize their numerical superiority
The start of the second period was as frustrating as the first half on the BO side. Players, Retière and his team did not pay themselves. The opener passed his arms and the Haut-Garonnais curtain, but Pagès gave for no one and did not convert the advance of his team into the opposing 22. In the process, Alonso Munoz started flush with a mini-maul, was caught at the last minute by Jaminet, but the ball fell to De la Vega, quicker than Acebes to flatten (26-13, 49th).
Last Stand
The club with five Brennus, almost voiceless despite its good intentions, still missed an opportunity despite a multitude of playing time within five meters of the premises, penalties galore and even a yellow for Granouillet. The fault lies with a heroic Columérine defense, which prevented Retière from scoring before scoring the ball perfectly. And to further disgust the Biarrots, unable to realize their numerical superiority.
Dakuwaqa escaped from a scrum on his five meters, crossing half the field. The ball reached Vergnaud, who let go for Acebes, then Retière and Kibirige, at the end of the line, for the Biarritz hopeful's try (26-20). A little late. The visitors' last stand was not rewarded and the BO ended its week with -5 points, inflicted by the LNR. More whipping mother than Mother Christmas.
Colomiers 26 – Biarritz 20
Lieu Colomiers (Michel-Bendichou) Spectators 4 373 Arbitrator Mme Groizeleau Half time 19-13
Colomiers 4 tries from Timu (6th), Pacome (19th), Marta (24th), De la Vega (49th); 3 transformations from De la Vega (6th, 19th, 49th); 1 penalty from De la Vega (80th + 1). Yellow card Granouillet (56e).
The team Pacome (De la Vega 71e) – Pinto, Marta, Nuu, Alonso-Munoz (Tuitavuki 60e) – (o) De la Vega (Auriac 66e), (m) Galthié (Diaz 73e) – Lescure, Timu (Bechu 60e), Coletta (Timu 76e) – Granouillet, Thomas (Descoux 66e) – Simutoga (Fepulea'i 50e), Larrieu (c) (Dimcheff 50e), Tartas (El Ansari 50e)
Biarritz 2 tries from Du Preez (22nd), Dakuwaqa (72nd); 2 transformations from Retière (22nd); 2 penalties from Retière (15th, 35th). Yellow card Douglas (66e).
The team Jaminet (Dolhagaray 64e) – Kibirige, Perraux (Barry 50e), Vergnaud, Acebes (c) – (o) Retière, (m) Pagès (Biscay, 53e) – Du Preez (Dakuwaqa 66e), Dakuwaqa (Hébert 50e), Hourcade (Fa'asalele 79e) – Fa'asalele (Douglas 60e), Matthews – El Fakir (Tukuafu 46e), Tolaï (Beheregaray 50e), K. Taofifenua (Plantier 46e)
