After two consecutive defeats and a worrying 13th place, the Montois had to recover against co-leader Biarritz at the opening of the 10th day of Pro D2. They did it, thanks to a controlled game (33-15). The Basques, although in the nails thanks to a trickster try from Biscay in the first period, did not exist in the second act.
At the opening of the 10th day, at the André-et-Guy-Boniface stadium, Mont-de-Marsan, which remained on two defeats, got the better of Biarritz (33-15). With this success, the Landais give themselves some breathing space compared to the relegation zone.
On October 25, just before the truce, we left the Stade Montois and its André-et-Guy-Boniface lair under great anger. The Loustalot gang had given in, without “fighting” according to manager Milhet, facing a direct competitor, Aurillac (29-33).
After a burst of pride at Provence Rugby, despite a new setback (45-30), the Montois definitely raised their heads by overcoming a team in form, Biarritz (33-15). Du Plessis, inspired in his role as scorer, led his team to victory. With this result, Stade Montois (9th) takes, pending tomorrow's results, six points ahead of the penultimate, Stade Niçois (15th, 9 points). Biarritz (2nd, 27 points) is assured of remaining in the qualifying places for the final phase, but missed the opportunity to put pressure on its direct competitors.
Strength versus speed
Lacking confidence, Stade Montois put the right ingredients in at the start of the game. After monopolizing the ball, the Landais scored… on the counter-attack! At the start of the action, Wakaya intercepted possession within his 22 meters. The Fijian maneuvered well then served Darquier. Recovered five meters from the line, the scrum half presented his ball well. Goginava concluded this movement closely (7-0, 8th). Du Plessis, a few minutes later, punctuated an ideal first quarter of an hour (10-0, 12th).
Biarritz did not panic. Initially, Dolhagaray reduced the gap to the mark (10-3, 20th). The other key element, Imanol Biscay, made his class speak. In the 40 meters of Mons, close to his forwards, the scrum half was able to see a break near a ruck to slip into the goal (10-8, 25th). At the end of a lively first period, the last word went to the experienced Du Plessis (13-8, 33rd).
Mont-de-Marsan did things in order
Upon returning from the locker room, the Montois took advantage of Basque indiscipline to confirm their success. Fa'asalele, who had just entered the game, was warned for repeated fouls (53rd). Du Plessis added three points (16-8, 53rd).
In numerical superiority, the Landes finishers made the difference, particularly on the forward side. In the corner, well served by Wakaya, Sayerse made this collective effort bear fruit (23-8, 58th). Du Plessis sealed the success with a new penalty (26-8, 63rd).
In the final moments, the locals believed in a potential offensive bonus. Cortes, with a superb kick pass, offered Robic a try (33-8, 78th). Without a point in this second act, Biarritz made the bill a little less heavy with a goal against Kibirige (33-15, 80th). In nine days, Mont-de-Marsan will play the Landes derby against Dax at the Jean-Dauger stadium in Bayonne. The day before, Biarritz will host Provence Rugby in a shock at the top of the table.
