TOP 14 2024-2025 – At the opening of the 13th day of Top 14, the last of 2024, the Section Paloise won against RC Vannes (48-24). By scoring six tries, compared to three for the Bretons, Pau even offered himself a precious offensive bonus point in his Hameau garden, which allows him to temporarily leave the play-off position.
This Saturday, December 28, the Paloise Section (13th, 19 points) received the red lantern of the RC Vannes (14th, 15 points). A duel between the last two in the ranking, which is already crucial in the race to maintain its position, at the time of completing the first leg of the championship. A week after the debacle suffered in Toulon (56-25), the Palois were keen to react quickly to their audience. But in front, the RCV did not come as an expiatory victim in Béarn. The Bretonson the contrary, kept their last successful trip to La Rochelle (23-14 victory) in the back of their minds. Report of this match of fear.
A lively first act
Under a beautiful winter sun, the two teams showed a lot of rhythm from the start. Thanks to two good consecutive balls carried, the visitors were the first to appear dangerous. What follows is a long sequence of physical challenges close to the line, which culminates in a test in the closed Thibault Debaës. The player trained to the Paloise Section transforms his essay himself, the RCV takes the score (0-7, 9th).
The reaction of the Béarnais don't wait. On one of their first forays into the opposing 22 meters, the green forwards tightened the Breton defense, before Joe Simmonds does not send Jack Maddocks in the meantime. The Australian full-back dives between the poles and resets the counters to zero (7-7, 18th). The two scorers then take turns taking a penalty (10-10, 23rd).
After being cold picked, Pau finds colors and reinvests the brand area. And as during their first try, the forwards continue playing times upwind, before the ball is sent wide, towards the right wing.'Aaron Grandidierwhich concludes in a corner. Joe Simmonds adjust from the edge of the fingerboard and there you go the Section in front for the first time in the afternoon (17-10, 26th).
Just before the break, the English opener for the locals added three additional points from a penalty (20-10, 37th). And the siren sounds when the Paloisbehind a scrum in their own camp, begin a final restart. Emilien Gailleton pierces full field, then shifts Aymeric Luc, who resists the return of the last defender to increase the score. Especially since in the corner, Joe Simmonds continues its flawless performance (27-10, MT). Pau takes the break just before the lemons.
Pau any bonus, treat yourself to a breath of fresh air
Upon resumption, Valves is forced to play outnumbered for 10 minutes following a clearing on the shoulder ofAnton Bresler (42nd). To one more, the Section take advantage of free spaces to progress in the opposing camp. The Palois play standing up and keep the ball alive until Jack Maddocks, who gets a double. This fourth try for the Béarnais allows them, at this moment, to glean a hypothetical offensive bonus point (34-10, 50th).
With this significant lead, victory seems promised to the locals. But the people of Vannesout of order, will reduce the rating via Simon Augryand above all, deprive the Béarnais of the bonus (34-17, 58th). For just 5 minutes. Because in the process, Pau gets his hands on the ball and his captain Becca Gorgadgein the oven and at the mill throughout the game, manages, in force, to cross the goal line (41-17, 63rd).
The Paloise Section completed this five-point success by scoring a sixth try at the end of the match. The young Axel Despérès is on the rebound of a subtle little kick of Joe Simmonds (48-17, 75th) to this time secure the offensive bonus point.
One last test of RCV after the 80th minute, Romaric Camouwill not change the outcome of the meeting. Pau raises your head and treats yourself to a breath of fresh air, largely dominating the Breton red lantern. Next week, the Béarnais will try to confirm this good result on the pitch at Castres Olympique.
Valves, for his part, returns from his trip with full suitcases, but without any points in the ranking. Always last, the Morbihannais will host ASM Clermont Auvergne next Sunday evening.
