RC Vannes loses against Bayonne at La Rabine…and delivers its worst match of the season

RC Vannes had a difficult evening this Saturday, December 21 at La Rabine, losing 21-27 against a realistic and opportunistic Aviron Bayonnais. Despite territorial domination and overwhelming possession, the Morbihannais lacked efficiency, letting a victory slip away within their reach. This match probably marks the most disappointing performance of the season for the Bretons, who remain in last place in the Top 14.

Costly tactical choices

If Vannes largely controlled the ball (64% possession), its tactical decisions were often misguided and its domination was sterile. Moreover, it is becoming a constant, on several occasions, players have preferred to attempt hits or play by hand rather than taking affordable penalties. These choices, instead of earning points, allowed Bayonne to reorganize defensively and repel the Vannes attacks. Result: no less than 12 points left on the way, a luxury that the RCV could not afford against such a realistic opponent.

Aviron Bayonne, although very undisciplined with more than 20 penalties conceded and two yellow cards, was able to make the most of its rare forays into the Breton camp. In the first half, the Basques scored three tries on their only opportunities, demonstrating clinical efficiency which made the difference. Lucas Martin's (3-7) first try came in the 6th minute, followed by those of Sireli Maqala (6-14) and Rodrigo Bruni (11-21). These brilliant shots, combined with iron defense, allowed the visitors to lead by 10 points at the break, despite being numerically inferior for 20 minutes.

A frustrating second period

Returning from the locker room, Vannes showed better intentions, quickly reducing the gap thanks to a penalty from Maxime Lafage (14-21). But once again, Bayonne regained its distance with the boot of Joris Segonds (14-27). The Vannes then increased their efforts, chaining offensive phases in the opposing 22 meters without managing to achieve anything. Their insistence on scrums and carried balls only fueled their frustration.

At the very end of the match, Pat Leafa gave hope to the supporters with a try on a carried ball transformed by Lafage (21-27). However, the Bretons' final attempts to snatch victory came up against the defensive rigor of the Basques, notably thanks to a decisive tackle from Rodrigo Bruni.

This new defeat at home leaves a bitter taste. RC Vannes remains bottom of the Top 14, a position which reflects the limits displayed during this match. The questionable tactical choices, the lack of efficiency near the opposing lines and the inability to capitalize on the numerous Bayonne mistakes raise questions.

What next for RC Vannes?

To hope to move up the rankings, the RCV will have to correct its tactical errors and better exploit its strong points. With a schedule that does not look any better, the people of Vannes will have no other choice but to redouble their efforts to return to victory. If this team has shown the ability to dominate, it still needs to translate them into points to hope to remain in the elite of French rugby.

This defeat against a Bayonne that was nevertheless manageable underlines the urgency for Vannes to find solutions, both on and off the field, in order to escape this negative spiral. We will have to go and win in Pau after Christmas, otherwise it will really start to smell bad. In the meantime, may each member of the team and staff enjoy a Merry Christmas with their family. To bounce back better.

The technical sheet

Referee: Kevin Bralley.

The points. Vannes: 2 Surano tries (37'), Leafa (80'), 1 Lafage conversion (80'), 3 Lafage penalties (4', 27', 42').

Bayonne: 3 Martin tries (6'), Maqala (32'), Bruni (40'), 3 Segonds conversions (7', 33', 40'), 2 Segonds penalties (46', 54').

Temporary exclusions. Bayonne: Tuilagi (15'), Chapel (28').

VALVES: Surano – Benmegal, Costossèque, Saili, Rayasi (Vili 47) – Lafage (o.), Ruru (m.) (Le Bail 73) – Kalamafoni, Gorrissen (cap.), Augry (Boulier 54') – Metz (Mézou 69) ), Marks (Bresler 54') – Medrano (Bourgeois 66'), Blanchard (Leafa 73'), Vunipola (Djehi 66').

BAYONNE : Tiberghien – Carreras, Maqala, Tuilagi, T. Spring – Segonds (o.) (Lopez 73'), Machenaud (m.) (Rouet 73') – Habel-Küffner (Cassiem 60'), Capilla (Heguy 60), Bruni – Paulos (Poloniati 68'), Chouzenoux – Cotet (Tagi 60'), Martin (Van Jaarsveld 68'), Cormenier (Bordelai 60').