This time, the relocation to San Sebastián favored Rowing Bayonnais! The Basques, in difficulty at Anoeta for several seasons, did not do well by inflicting a correction on Rochelais who were completely overwhelmed in the first period and unable to react in the second act despite extensive coaching from Ronan O’Gara (37 -7). Manu Tuilagi made his debut in his new colors at the heart of a brilliant pair of centers alongside Sireli Maqala.
You shouldn’t arrive late this Saturday in Bayonne. Barely three minutes into the game and Segonds opened the scoring for his team thanks to a penalty. It didn’t take long for the first try to be scored. Two minutes later, Tiberghien started again and found Callandret. Number 14 showed his speed to score the first try of the game.
Eighth minutes and same pattern. Penalty from Joris Segonds then second try for Bayonne. Maqala’s work allowed the Bayonnais to approach the line. Powerfully, Bosch flattened for the second time in the match to bring the score to 17-0 after the transformation. A third penalty from Segonds allowed the locals to lead 20-0 after 15 minutes of play.
The rest of the first period would be much calmer with a few reactions from La Rochelle without consequences for the Bayonnais. It was finally ten seconds before the break that Maqala scored a third try for Bayonne on a nice pass from Segonds.
A very poor second half
Trailing 25-0 at halftime, the Rochelais tried to react. But the Bayonnais were too well in place and continued to increase the score. It was Camille Lopez who brought the score to 30-0.
It was finally five minutes from the end that La Rochelle scored their first try thanks to Kuntelia. On the last action, the Aviron players increased the score thanks to a penalty try. 30-point victory for Bayonne which returns to victory.
