After their consistent match in Paris, at the end of which they obtained the first point in their history in the elite, the Vannetais are still looking for a success which would free them.
In Vannes, the discovery of the Top 14 continues. Largely beaten by Toulouse in the opening match at La Rabine, RCV bounced back very well at Jean-Bouin last Saturday. Authors of a successful and convincing performance for their first away match in the elite, Jean-Noël Spitzer’s men reassured. In the game, the Vannetais held their own against last season’s semi-finalists, in a spirited and offensive match. Of course, the Bretons suffered at the start, with a 17-0 conceded after 22 minutes, but they smoothed out their effort to come back into the match little by little.
“They seem to have an inferiority complex.”
After their near comeback at Jean Bouin against Paris, the Vannetais leave the capital with regrets. For our journalists, the Bretons must quickly free themselves from the label of “little thumb” on the field. pic.twitter.com/Z647zhA4fd
— RUGBYRAMA (@RugbyramaFR) https://twitter.com/RugbyramaFR/status/1835936726474244409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Above all, the end of the match has something to make the staff optimistic with players capable of holding up physically to go and snatch the defensive bonus, the first point of the RCV in Top 14. Supported by thousands of supporters in a Jean-Bouin that had a false air of La Rabine, the Vannetais have undoubtedly passed a first psychological milestone. For a promoted team, and even more so for a novice at this level, the season is built around several stages: the first point, the first victory, the first away success. With the reception of Lyon on Saturday, the RCV will want to capitalize on its solid performance in the capital.
Surano premiere in the back
An opponent on paper that is more approachable than Toulouse, Lyon nevertheless arrives in Morbihan full of confidence. Winners in Montpellier then against Bordeaux on the wire thanks to Léo Berdeu, the Lyonnais have made a convincing start. Against the MHR, they broke their black streak of 17 games without an away win. But Vannes showed that it could adapt to the Top 14, by offering, in sequences, total rugby against the Stade français. Comfortable in the game and rewarded by this first point, the Bretons will put their squad depth to the test. Concussed against Paris, Gwenaël Duplenne will be replaced by Paul Surano. The former Rouen full-back will make his first appearance this season.
Jean-Noël Spitzer also announced the starting positions of Cyril Blanchard at heel and Karl Chateau in the third line. Returns of experienced players who should help RCV. “Our place is legitimate”, Spitzer insisted before facing Stade Français. Vannes must fully validate its good start to the season with a victory against Lyon. Still forced to serve his six-week suspension, the Breton manager will scrutinize this second home game from afar. Bottom of the table with Perpignan, RCV would be well inspired to take off with a first victory.
