Annoyed by a performance far from their standards (40-13 defeat in Périgueux), the players of Racing Club Narbonnais have revenge to take this Saturday evening by hosting Bourg-en-Bresse (6:30 p.m.). To be successful again, the orange and black must return to the basics of Rugby.
The kicking game
“We have to use the kicking game, we don’t do it enough. I didn’t see a candle all evening”railed manager Julien Seron following the sluggish victory against Massy two weeks ago (21-20). And there is no doubt that the former scrum half must have made the same speech after the defeat in Périgueux last Saturday (40-13). Only one difference, the opening half Tom Chauvet threw a big pin in Périgord.
So to find itself, to reassure itself, Racing must use the kicking game more. In modern rugby, this weapon has become fatal. Even more so since the introduction of the 50-22 rule which favors this option. There is nothing better than a big pump to get out of pressure, to make the opponent retreat and to play playfully in the other half of the field. Especially since Narbonne has precise and long gunners. And when she used this resource in the offensive phase, whether grazing, over the top or for the winger, the Audois created great difficulty for the opposing defenses.
The conquest
The observation is simple. If since the start of the season, the Narbonnais had shown improvements in this sector of play, in Périgueux, they started in reverse. Jostled in closed scrum (1 penalty, 1 broken arm, 1 lost, Editor’s note)embarrassed in touch (2 lost, Editor’s note)the men of Brice Mach, the forwards coach, were undermined by a dense Périgord team. However, the trio of Racing coaches had made the bet to greatly densify their pack, with four players over 1.95 m and 110 kg.
To regain a performance up to par, also to launch his game and his three-quarters, the forwards must redo their victory in conquest. Because the basis of this sport is conquest. And let the rugby start in front, as it is customary to say. By being conquerors in this sector, the people of Narbonne could return to the very essence of this sport and once again show solidity to match.
Simplicity
What's better than playing in simplicity to get your head back on track? Lacking offensive efficiency, struggling to create its attacks, Racing is also countered by teams who are starting to perfectly read and know the Narbonne game. It's simple, against Périgueux, Narbonne conceded two tries on two balls lost in the line. And as a reminder, during the trip to Chambéry (37-18), the Audois were penalized for two interceptions and a turnover. Too much. Too many gifts left for the opposing teams, behind the orange and black are forced to run behind the score.
So brilliant, so efficient last season, Narbonne's game is struggling this season to find its fuel. A lack of oil in the wheels, of individual confidence, and sometimes – not to say often – a lack of simplicity. Especially since this team has the individuality to make differences at any time and to surprise its opponent with the ball in hand. But to do this, she must stop attempting impossible passes, chisteras for show or even 20-meter jumps.
To wash away the insult of the heavy defeat in Périgueux (40-13), Racing must find itself on the basics of rugby from the reception of Bourg-en-Bresse this Saturday evening (6:30 p.m.).
