in Aix, the leader was too strong this time

OWe would say that they played with fear. At least for more than an hour. Their manager Patrick Milhet feared “taking 50” this Friday in Aix? There are finally 45 at the finish, defeat not improved (45-30). However, the Montois generally delivered a much better performance than a week earlier, during the rout at home against Aurillac (29-33). It certainly wasn't very complicated. But unlike the meetings in Angoulême (19-32) and against Brive (33-11), against whom they had already donned the costume of outsiders, this time they returned to the Landes empty-handed. And with legitimate regrets.

Because despite an avalanche of penalties, the three yellow cards and the six tries conceded, the yellow and black more than shook up a Provence team far from being ultra-dominant on their lawn. But the latter was able to demonstrate mastery at the end of the game to achieve an improved success which took shape in the final seconds. A 0-point setback which complicates the task of the Landais, 13th with only two lengths ahead of the barrage Nice, before a high-risk end of the block against the Biarrots in Boniface, then in the derby in Bayonne against the neighbor Dacquois.

10 points in 1'30

And the Montois show character in a messy but lively first act. Problem, once again an approximate conquest and far too much indiscipline prevent them from pushing the Aixois a little further to their limits. Three throws into touch lost by Begic, 12 (!) penalties to three and two yellow cards in the first act, not counting the penalty try – and the yellow inflicted on Dussutour for a collapsed maul (40th) – which allows the players to Mauricio Reggiardo to take the lead just before the siren (24-17, 40th).

The Montois pass 10 points in less than two minutes to the best defense in the championship, suddenly strangely feverish

Too bad, because the latter do not really show themselves to be sovereign over their synthetics. However, the Provençaux, stunned by Sau's early try following a misunderstanding in defense (3rd), quickly set the record straight with a devastating ball carried by Mallez (5th). Before taking control for the first time in the match thanks to Finau, following a five-meter scrum played with numerical superiority (14-7, 20th). Did the yellow and black miss their chance? Not really: true to their reputation as “strong with the big names”, they passed 10 points in less than two minutes to the best defense in the championship, suddenly strangely feverish. As in this risky pass from the ex-French international Plisson which becomes an offering for Bento, who celebrates his return after a month and a half of absence with a try of almost 50 meters (14-17, 29th).

30 minutes at 14 against 15

The Southerners, who took shelter in ten minutes, expect to experience a more controlled second period. And they don't expect to see the yellow and black attack the second act with so much desire. The penalties follow one another, sanctioned by a reliable Loustalot against the poles (24-20, 42nd)… until this touch finally correctly negotiated, this structured ball carried, and Bento's double in the middle of an overrun curtain (24- 27, 46e).

In an indecisive end of the game that looks like a back and forth, victory will go to the team that makes the fewest mistakes. And in this little game, the Montois, sanctioned with a third inferiority for a high tackle by Ponpon, leave with a big handicap (56th): on the penalty that follows, Piazzoli allows Provence to take the lead on the second victorious maul (31-30, 57th). It was over for the hopes of the yellow and black, who crumbled a fifth time against the inevitable Lapègue, then on a final ball carried from Laget after the siren (45-30, 80th +4).

Christophe Loustalot wondered about the level of his partners? They once again proved that they were capable of competing in the face of adversity, although this time it was not enough. Game postponed against the Biarritz co-leader, next Thursday?

Provence 45 – Stade Montois 30

Lieu Aix-en-Provence (Maurice-David stadium). Arbitrator Mr. Lake (South). Half time 24-17.
PROVENCE RUGBY The points 6 tries from Mallez (5th), Finau (20th), penalty (40th), Piazzoli (57th), Lapègue (68th), Laget (80th +4); 5 Plisson transformations (5th, 20th, 57th, 68th, 80th +4); 1 penalty from Plisson (32nd).
Yellow card Pieretto (72e, brutality)
The team Colombet – Lapègue, Finau (Septar, 49th), Gopperth, Drouet (Bouhedjeur, 49th) – (or) Plisson, (m) Coville (cap., Viallard, 56th) – Taieb (Gambini, 69th), Harrison, Piazzoli – Tyrell (Rodda, 54th), Zafra – Mallez (Pieretto, 60th), Jammes (Laget, 70th), Vernet (Thompson-Stringer, 60th).
MONTOIS STADIUM The points 3 tries from Sau (3rd), Bento (29th, 46th); 3 transformations from Loustalot (3rd, 29th, 46th); 3 penalties from Loustalot (28th, 42nd, 54th).
Yellow cards Lalanne (18th, repeated fouls), Dussutour (40th, anti-play), Ponpon (56th, brutality).
The team Laousse-Azpiazu (cap.) – Bento, Massé, Grulovic (Cortes, 54e), Sau (Grulovic, 60e, puis Sau, 78e) – (o) Fernandez, (m) Loustalot (N. Darquier, 69e) – Ponpon, Iashagashvili, Robic (Gajion, 18e ; now Robic, 28e ; now Brethous, 69e) – Durand (Edwards, 42e), Dussutour (Garrault, 49e) – Lalanne (Gajion, 43e), Begic (Lagrange, 49e), Innocente (Lagrange , 43e).