“Like our start to the match, where we had everything to go off the rails, I see that the long weak time (experienced in recent weeks, Editor's note) could have caused crackling or doubt, estimates Sébastien Piqueronies. The paradox is that I felt it a lot all week in the Béarnais environment or while reading your articles this morning (Saturday) but not at all on the pitch or in the stands, where I saw 15,000 united, convinced people, who communicated, proud to make a territory shine.”
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A heavy context
Either. But it would be quick to forget that Pau remained on a meager (but convincing) success during its last six Top 14 matches, had already lost two times out of six at the Hameau this season, completed an “annus horribilis” 2024 largely in deficit at 10 victories for 17 defeats, had just taken a volley at Toulon (56-25) and was 13th, with four small points ahead of its visitor of the day, Vannes, 14th and red lantern eager not to see the flame go out. We experienced a more serene context…
And it would have been inappropriate to hide it. “The only danger in this match was ourselves. We were at home, after our result against the RCT. And we hadn't trained much (resumed Thursday for a mini-training in Anglet, Editor's note). So a lot of things could put pressure on us. We were also put very low, even if perhaps at times we deserved it, recognizes Beka Gorgadze. We were able to respond, that’s all that matters.”
Returning from injury, the Georgian 3rd line was colossal and excellent, as so often. A captain by example and voice, when around the 20th minute of play he gathered his entire troop in a circle around him in order to put them back in order while they were dispersing. “I enjoyed it, even if these are things we have already done before. I was also fortunate to have seven of my leaders on the field together. Obviously, it has an impact. Soon, we will have Luke (Whitelock) and Lucas (Rey) as well. And it will be even better,” says Sébastien Piqueronies.
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« Those mountains »
Especially if they have the eye of the tiger and the wolf's hunger of Gorgadze: “I was so eager to resume, especially when I recently saw the team in difficulty […]. We had to stick together. And responding with the (offensive) bonus is perfect, we are all very happy.” Piqueronies too, at the time of “enjoying taking one more point than expected which will count and be very useful”, all “under a magnificent sun and the beauty of the Pyrenees in the background”.
As a synthesis of these elements, the Section Paloise was brilliant at climbing a slippery wall. And confirmed her Béarnaise identity, stubborn, obstinate and valiant when some would risk selling her skin before having killed her. At the foot of the wall, Pau was able to properly lay the bricks in order to prevent Lyon then Vannes, its direct opponents for maintaining, from crossing it.
“In high pressure situations, we were able to respond,” rejoices Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang. We know we are capable of great things, now we will have to seek consistency and consistency.” A necessity to exist against adversaries who are less generous and playful but more robust and tough than the Bretons, promoted to be catchy but a little tender.
Maintain or better?
“We are all very ambitious. And the reality is that we are not where we would like to be. It's with matches like this that we build confidence for the future. It will bring us a lot of positive things for the return phase,” hopes the winger. We will have to transform these good feelings into points, because the Section will only have 6 home matches over the last 13 days of Top 14.
“We have to go step by step. We are nine points ahead of 14th place but we cannot say that we are going to avoid it, the recent championships have proven it,” warns Sébastien Piqueronies. A laudable caution that Beka Gorgadze ignores: “Now, I don’t like that word. There is the reality, we were thirteenth before the 13th day […]. But there are 13 games left, a lot can happen.”
On condition that we honor the slogan “Conquerors in Green and White” more constantly.
The condition of the lawn did not harm the show
While the Hameau lawn had perked up, taking advantage of the numerous departures for training courses from the Paloise Section and the work undertaken to returf it, it appeared in a bad state on Saturday, notably on a large strip in front of the Honor stand which was already laying problem several seasons ago, before the switch to hybrid. With uncertain support, the players made numerous slips on a sandy-looking part of the pitch. But they still put on a nice show, with nine tries to boot.
