1. Players of the match: Proult and Farissier rewarded
Within a three-quarter line led by its three stars Ben Botica, George Tilsley and Jonny May, Arthur Proult and Nathan Farissier were not necessarily the players most awaited by SA XV supporters at the start of the season.
Both had arrived from Vannes and Grenoble respectively, in search of playing time which they lacked. Friday against Nevers, they scored their first try in the Angoumois jersey, receiving the reward of a conclusive first leg despite competition in the center and on the wing.
Eleven matches including six as a starter for the explosive Proult, nine matches and eight starts for the equally invigorating Farissier.
Comment from their teammate, fullback Jules Dubecq: “They are having a great match. They enjoyed themselves. And I think we had a great time collectively. »
With a nice bonus for Nathan Farissier: he became the 100th on Fridaye player to register a try for the SA XV in Pro D2. Series inaugurated by Sebastian Poet on August 26, 2016 in Oyonnax.
2. The sentence: “We have physical trainers who adore us”
Asked Friday evening about the two weeks of vacation, the back of the SA to see if we haven't made too many slips. »
By then, they will have had news from Alexandre Ruiz: “The guys need to rest, but on the other hand in a week they will receive a few texts to say that as soon as we resume on January 5, they will get back to work. »
3. The stat: 8 penalties conceded
It's a figure that should be worth a round of croissants to Laurent Cardona, who recently explained that he puts his hand in his pocket in every match where the SA XV is penalized less than ten times. Against Nevers, the Angoumoisins conceded four of their eight penalties in the first 12 minutes. Time to be down 0-10 and finally get their hands on the ball with 54% possession, which partly explains the 13 opposing fouls.
But the SA XV was also very disciplined in defense, like this final and long sequence in its 22 meters which ended with a penalty… against Nevers!
To the great joy of Alexandre Ruiz, unleashed on the edge of the pitch: “When I saw that damn defensive sequence at the end, I wanted to let go of all the pressure I had inside me. When I see how the guys get involved, I say hats off. »
4. The anecdote: Jonny May's coq
The traditional Christmas meal for the SA XV players and management took place last Tuesday. With, like every year, the duty for everyone to offer a gift to another guest. If SA XV manager Alexandre Ruiz inherited a mirror which he still wonders if it is to monitor a possible bulge in the head, the prize went to Clément Sentubéry.
The former Toulouse hopeful indeed offered a magnificent live rooster to Jonny May, undoubtedly in memory of his past troubles with the XV of France under the English jersey. The gallinaceous finally ended up in Laurent Cardona's garden where two hens were already waiting for him.
Enough to guarantee scrambled eggs for breakfast for the England international, disrupted throughout the autumn by a move and a change of life, toxoplasmosis, a muscle problem and return trips to England. We are now impatiently awaiting his final awakening in January. To the crowing of the rooster of course.
5. The figure: 5900 spectators at Chanzy
Despite the cold and the light rain of this Friday in December, Chanzy was still in full force against Nevers. 5,900 spectators recorded by the SA XV which has recorded an increase in attendance of 30% since the start of the season.
With an atmosphere in tune as Hubert Texier explained after the meeting: “Whether it's cold or raining, the public is always there. We heard them pushing us, even at 7-10. It really helps us on the pitch, the noise, the encouragement. »
Conclusion from Alexandre Ruiz, evoking the desire to fight for the final phases: “We have in any case given the stadium the desire to believe in it. I saw a Chanzy on fire. »
Nine contract extensions already signed
Euphoric after the victory over Nevers on Friday evening, the president of the SA XV multiplied the announcements after thanking the whole world and Chanzy in particular.
He notably confirmed nine contract extensions. First Ben Botica, which had already been revealed, but also George Tilsley, Adrien Bau and Patxi Bidart among the professional squad.
Before listing the names of the twins Enzo and Léo Morand-Bruyat, Seydou Diakité, Georgi Balakarev and Kalende Tumba, five pure products of the Angoumois training.
The first four have greatly taken their place in the rotation of the pro squad. The “little” last one, 18 years old, made his debut in Oyonnax last week.
