Flagship poster of this eleventh day of Pro D2, the Landes derby should fall into the hands of the Dacquoise team, while Grenoble could take advantage of the trips of its direct competitors to establish itself alone at the top of the championship… Here are our predictions for the 11th day of Pro D2!
Agen – Montauban
Mixed fortunes for Sébastien Calvet and Sébastien Tillous-Borde. The two “Sébs”, at the head of a new project respectively at SUA and USM, are experiencing a very different first part of the season. When the former under-20 coach struggles to turn Agen around and will have to cope without his captain Arnaud Duputs for the next two months, the former RCT scrum-half shines as manager of a Montauban co-leader of Pro D2 with Provence Rugby and Grenoble. The Montalbanais have won six of their last seven matches, including two away victories, while the Agenais were surprised in Armandie by the promoted Nice on September 6. This is why we believe that the USM will continue its momentum, plunging the SUA further into doubt.
Our prediction: victory for Montauban, defensive bonus for Agen
Colomiers – Béziers
Will the Columérins have digested their second period in Brive? A quick reminder of the facts: while they led 15-6 at the break, Mathis Galthié’s teammates suffered a scathing 43-0 after returning from the locker room. “We took a steamroller for forty minutes”regretted Grégoire Bazin at the end of the meeting. Without doubt, the week was studious in Colomiers to prepare for the reception of a Béziers reassured by its last two successes. To stay on track in the championship, a home victory is essential for the Columérins. In this context, we are banking on the proud reaction of the locals, still undefeated this season at the Michel-Bendichou stadium.
Our prediction: victory for Colomiers, defensive bonus for Béziers
Grenoble – Soyaux-Angoulême
Grenoble is in good shape, but be careful: Angoulême is proving formidable on the road this season. Alexandre Ruiz’s men won in Aurillac, Nice and Dax, and obtained a draw in Colomiers. The Grenoblois will therefore have to be wary of the Charentais to avoid a disappointment which would tarnish their great success on the Oyonnax pitch. It would be a shame for the FCG, which has the opportunity here to take the lead in Pro D2 alone, especially as Montauban travels to Agen and Provence Rugby to Biarritz.
Our prediction: victory for Grenoble with offensive bonus
Aurillac – Nevers
A crucial meeting for maintenance pits Aurillac and Nevers. Last week, the Nivernais rediscovered the taste of victory against another opponent from the bottom of the ranking Valence Romans. Aurillac, for its part, did not achieve any feat on the Provence Rugby pitch. Jean-Alric’s residents therefore have no room for error on Friday evening, before a perilous trip to Biarritz and the reception of Valence Romans. Nevers, now engaged in the fight for maintenance after having played the leading roles in Pro D2, knows what remains to do to ensure a future in the championship, as President Régis Dumange confided a few days ago. . “It’s up to us to win two, three or four away matches, especially against our direct competitors. […] We are capable of doing it. We have to show that we don’t belong.”
Our prediction: victory for Aurillac, defensive bonus for Nevers
Nice – Brive
In his Marcel Volot stadium, the last National champion will have a lot to play for, even though he is only fifteenth and currently a play-off. Facing the Brivistes and their armada led by Courtney Lawes, the Maralpins will want to confirm their good performance last week on the Montalban field where they brought back a valuable defensive bonus. Yes, but there you have it, in front of their audience, the Niçois have a sort of blockage, before a single success and six points taken in five receptions. An average which should not improve with the arrival of the CAB.
Our prediction: victory for Brive
Valence Novels – Oyonnax
An unexpected duel for maintenance. Indeed, despite their status as relegated from the Top 14, the Oyomen are unable to do so this season and are only ranked thirteenth, three points ahead of VRDR, currently bottom. Despite this ranking, the dynamic seems to be on the side of the Drômois. The latter scored 42 points during their last reception, against Brive moreover, while the Aindinois are the worst team away from their bases, with only one point won in five matches.
Our prediction: victory for Valence Romans, defensive bonus for Oyonnax
Biarritz – Provence Rugby
The BO has a throne to regain, after having fallen from it at the end of the last day and its defeat in the Landes. But for that, the Basques will have to overcome the current holder of this first place that they covet so much: Provence Rugby. Without making any noise, the Provençaux were able to make their way, notably achieving two consecutive improved successes during the last two days. A team in really good shape, especially since they are following a success in Aguilera last year. The pass of two this season?
Our prediction: victory for Provence Rugby, defensive bonus for Biarritz
Dax – Mont-de-Marsan
This is the event of this eleventh day of Pro D2: a Landes derby… outside the Landes. For the occasion, Dax chose to relocate his meeting far from his usual Maurice Boyau, going to the Aviron bayonnais stadium. A meeting which will also have the honor of being played neither on a Thursday nor a Friday but on a Saturday afternoon. All the ingredients come together to witness an exceptional match between two enemy brothers. From a sporting point of view, the two teams got off to a tricky start, finding themselves in tenth and eleventh places respectively on equal points. A poster which is therefore crucial for the rest of the season, before a well-deserved week of rest for the organizations.
Our prediction: victory for Dax
