The Swiss team dryly beaten 110-0 in Georgia
Switzerland suffered severe defeat in Georgia on Saturday. Image: KEYSTONE
Committed to the very first time in Europe Championship rugby, sometimes nicknamed the “VI Nations B tournament”, the Swiss rugby team lived this weekend for its entry into the competition a heavy defeat 110-0 in Georgia, land of ovalia par excellence. The opening half of the XV of Edelweiss Jules Porcher returns to this painful learning.
Double winner of the “Trophy”, Switzerland made its big start in Europe Championship Rugby this weekend, the highest level at which it can claim on the continental scene, the VI Nations tournament being closed and reserved for England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France and Italy.
Chance of the calendar, it is against the strongest team in the division, Georgia, septuple holder of the title of this “B tournament”, that the nati of rugby had to wet the jersey firstmoreover outside in the capital Tbilissi. Signs of the progression of the national team and the quality of the opponent, 12th world nation behind Japan and the Samoa, the game was broadcast in Romandie and Ticino by Swiss public television.
However, the show presented quickly turned out to be a carnage. The Lelos, who dream of replacing the Squadra Azzurra in the VI Nations tournament, inflicted a 110-0 defeat on the men of Olivier Nier, the widest victory in the history of the Georgian selection. “It necessarily hurts the head,” blows watson Jules Porcher, a half of the EDELWEISS XV, after being weaned with balloons during the match. Aware that the defeat was almost inevitable, the usual master to play the selection did not expect such a severe result.
“We knew it was going to be difficult. But we didn’t think we were taking this score either ”
Jules Porcher, half of the Swiss team
Despite the 16 trials conceded and these 59 tackles missed by the Swiss troop, the “10” of the AS Mâcon, a club of the French fourth division, finds a touch of satisfaction with regard to the stored experience. “We can only learn from players playing at the very high level. We have to use this defeat to move forward, ”says the Swiss opener. But what can we record a meeting where you are asphyxiated, morale at the bottom of the socks?
“What I remember from this match is that the slightest error, you pay it” cash “. A missed tackle, a lost ball, a support that is forgotten: it’s direct seven points. You don’t have the right to make mistakes! “
Jules Porcher
Jules Porcher Ballon in hand against Georgia.image: instagram
And errors, there were some on Saturday in Tbilissi. An example? The first test of the game, which occurred in the third minute of play, after Jules Porcher was countered on his clearance. Yet first on the ball, his teammate Maxime Lucon did not manage to flatten in his in-goal, unlike the locals who dragged around and who were not asked. Another avoidable situation: this badly controlled ball in the rear race Jolan Vincent, and left free to Luka Matkava, who came to register the fifth opposing test.
In addition to errors, this painful defeat highlights work, especially physical, that it remains to be accomplished to be able to stand up to a selection of the caliber of Georgia. A team deemed powerful, whose game has long been based on its forwards.
“We did 15-20 interesting first minutes (Red: the score was only 7-0 after the first quarter of an hour of play), but we were well below our physically opponent, and that s ‘is felt as time passed. We played guys who train every day and who evolve at the highest level (Red: however, well -known names of the Top 14 and the Pro D2, the first two French divisions). There is bound to be a ditch. It is now up to us to work individually and collectively to reduce this gap. ”
Jules Porcher
The gap should be less important on Sunday in Yverdon against Spain, 18th world nation. Especially since the XV of Edelweiss is not shot down by its rout in Georgia. “This defeat did not lower our heads. We are going to give the best of ourselves, ”says Jules Porcher before this coming part on the shores of the lake Neuchâtel.
A surprise result against the Lion XV and Switzerland could be dreaming of the World Cup. After all, four of the eight best teams involved in the “B tournament” will fly in 2027 for Australia, while the fifth will compete in the final qualification tournament in November 2025. It is not forbidden to believe it.
More articles on sport
We compiled our favorite stops from Yann Sommer
Video: watson
This could also interest you:
The Young Boys finished their adventure in the Champions League in the last place in the ranking, with 8 defeats in 8 games. “We have delivered insufficient performance,” admits sports director Steve Von Bergen. Interview.
Sports Director of Young Boys, Steve Von Bergen did not vented in front of the time to take stock of this 2024/25 Champions League. “These matches were a few notches too high for us,” said the Neuchâtelois on Wednesday after the eighth defeat suffered in eight outings by the Swiss champion.