Dax’s last visit to the Stade des Alpes is a very good memory for the Grenoble team. We were in the quarter-finals of the final stages and the Isérois did not tremble against the Dacquois by winning very largely (58-10). It was only three months ago but a lot has changed since then. Particularly in the ranks of the FCG, which has made many changes to its squad.
After a successful start in this Pro D2 championship, winning in Nevers (26-20) then at home against Provence Rugby (15-12), Nicolas Nadau and Patrick Pezery’s men had their first setback. And what a setback! Against Aurillac, the Isérois missed their match and suffered a heavy defeat (19-42) in Cantal with a revamped team. For the reception of the Landais, the staff decided to return to the classics… while adding a little touch of novelty all the same!
Grenoble will discover the Fijian Kaminieli Rasaku, silver medallist at the last Olympic Rugby 7s Games in Paris, and Yan Lestrade, who comes from Aviron Bayonnais. Brandon Nansen, who injured his ribs during the first day of the championship in Nevers, is also back.
We note the return of Sam Davies at fly-half alongside Eric Escande to form the hinge and Antonin Berruyer, who celebrated his return to Aurillac after his serious injury, is playing a second consecutive match. He will once again be the team captain. Thomas Lainault, who was rested in Aurillac, also returns to the starting XV.
Finally, the first line will also be entitled to its facelift, with three changes and the starting line-up of Tommy Raynaud, Mathis Sarragallet and Johannes Jonker.
Finally on the bench, the coaches called up three players from the back lines (Max Clément, Romain Fusier and Hugo Trouilloud) and five forwards. This FCG needs a victory to regain momentum and move up the rankings.
PLEASE NOTE: the FCG – Dax match will be available to follow live with commentary on www.ledauphine.com/sport on Thursday from 8 p.m.
The FCG line-up against Dax
Farnoux – W. Hulleu, Hériteau, Lestrade, Rasaku – (o) Davies, (m) Escande – Madeira, Muarua, Berruyer (cap) – Nansen, T. Lainault – Jonker, M. Sarragallet, Raynaud.
Replacements: Soury, Gauthier, C. Thomas, Phillips, Hardwick, Clément, R. Fusier, H. Trouilloud.
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