By having Valence-Romans without taking the offensive bonus, the Aixois remained at the foot of the podium when it was time to take a few days of vacation for the end of year celebrations. Infuriating, just like the two consecutive defeats by one point away.
We might as well say it right away, Aix's last match of the year will not go down in history; nor in the memories… Unless the Blacks are missing a point somewhere in the standings at the end of the season! Because the second half, with the mistral at our back, was insipid with three small active points while there were 31 at the break (5 tries). As for the Dromois, wind or no wind, they punctuated each period with 12 points. So, how is the holiday glass at Provence Rugby, half full or half empty?
On the glass-half-empty side, one thing is certain, whether at home or away we do not find this season the presence and the power that were those of Aixois during the last exercise. A bit as if the Blacks had been boosted last season by the discovery of the joy of playing leading roles. Currently the state of mind that drives the troops seems to us to be very different. As proof, the second half against the Dromois who gave themselves the means to upset the Aix game without really asserting an overwhelming superiority. And once again Mauricio Reggiardo's men sometimes seemed to us to be far from the collective level necessary to do well in the play-offs. In their defense, it is true that the infirmary is full and that despite the depth of the bench some essential elements cannot be mobilized.
On the glass half-full side, we will start with this fourth place which, at mid-season, guarantees the reception of a play-off. A place that some will consider flattering given the 0 pointed outside. With 41 points (same for Béziers, 3rd) the Aixois are therefore ten lengths behind Grenoble who will be the first guest of the year 2025 at Maurice-David. It might be cold at 9 p.m., but warm on the pitch and, hopefully, in the stands.
Another positive aspect of this first part of the championship, with 7 bonuses (3 offensive and 4 defensive), the Blacks are only ahead of Béziers (9) and tied with Grenoble and Agen. On the field side, alongside the impeccable Teimana Harrison, who announced Friday evening that she had extended her contract for two seasons with Provence Rugby, the arrival of George North returning from injury (contracted on March 21 against Italy during the Six Nations Tournament) should be an undeniable plus to strengthen and stabilize the collective. Then there is the arrival of Saracens hooker, American international Kapeli Pifeleti which, according to our colleagues from Midi Olympique, could be effective at the start of the year; but it seems that things are not so simple… To be continued.
Whether they are half empty or half full, let's clink our glasses to wish the best to Provence Rugby in 2025.
Michel EGEA
