Rugby – Challenge Cup: against Cardiff, USAP finally won the European Cup to give itself the right to dream of qualification

Finally ! After 13 matches without winning a single match in the European Cup, USAP finally won this Saturday afternoon. Opposed to the Welsh of Cardiff, the blood and gold ended this black streak by taking the upper hand (23-20). They achieved an important victory for qualification. Because USAP remains in the race to secure a round of 16 next spring.

Even if, it must be admitted, it is perhaps missing a little offensive bonus at the end. An additional point which would have made it possible, at the same time, to remove the defensive bonus from Cardiff. Because as things currently stand, the Welsh (3rd) remain ahead in the standings, with a small lead (7 pts) over Perpignan (4th, 6 pts). The problem is that the Catalans remain within gunshot of the Cheetahs, or even the Zebre, who face each other this Sunday (2 p.m.). Qualification is still possible, but it will be tough.

No matter, in any case, Franck Azéma’s men won. They scored three tries – even if they could have scored twice – and they give themselves a little boost of confidence for the future.

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Rugby – Challenge Cup: “We have to go for qualification”, harangues Lucas Velarte after USAP’s victory against Cardiff

It will be necessary to validate the qualification in Parma

Because with the team lined up on the pitch, the objective was clear: to restore confidence to some, playing time to others, and the opportunity to show themselves to the young people. This whole mix of players initially offered an anthology of dropped balls and bad transmissions. Which frustrated Aimé-Giral, the supporters and the players on the ground. Before breaking free, at the very end of the first period, with a good run from Fijian winger Setareki Toganiyadrava, who served Tommaso Allan on a plateau (10-3, 40th).

And if the Catalans quickly conceded a try at the start of the second half by Lee-Lo (43rd), they will move forward with a sparkling Apisai Naqalevu. The Fijian center, who came on in place of Job Poulet in the 49th minute, put in a huge half-hour. Offensively, he improved all his balls. And his first two allowed USAP to score its second try, Tavite Veredamu finishing (18-10, 50th). Then Lucas Velarte, coming out of the scrum, allowed us to dream of the offensive bonus (23-13, 62nd).

Unfortunately, neither the breakthrough of Tavite Veredamu (57th) nor that of Antoine Aucagne (73rd) was rewarded with points at the end. Which leaves, again, regrets in terms of offensive play. Like too many times this season, David Marty’s players should have scored more and freed themselves as they did so well last season. “We also managed to score three tries. On the offensive side, we managed to carry out actions. Even if from time to time, we could perhaps have scored one or two more. That’s what “We were looking for the bonus point but hey, I think we managed the end of the match well to come out with the victory.”tempers Gérald Bastide, the defense coach, who is looking ahead to the rest and the last match in Parma, next Sunday (4:15 p.m.). “Qualifying is an important thing. Playing a finals match, it’s been a long, long time since we last played one.”

Obviously, the team which will go to Italy will be made up of three quarters of players who will not face Bayonne the following week. But she will not be without ambition. This qualification, this whole group wants it.