Manhandled in Vannes, Clermont was able to achieve significant success in La Rabine (19-20). The Jaunards return to the top 6 and make up for it after their defeat against Montpellier. Vannes once again misses the opportunity to get closer to its remaining competitors.
A very small point of difference, but a large gap which is widening with the direct competitors of the Vannes for maintenance. At La Rabine, this Sunday January 5, the Bretons knew the importance of this meeting against Clermont, and the disappointed expressions seen at the final whistle betray the emotion and disappointment which invaded Jean-Noël Spitzer’s troops.
Vannes starts strong
This evening, however, and as usual, the Bretons started this game strong and were the first to score, after ten minutes of play. On a penalty played manually, five meters from the Clermont line, Michael Ruru and his men play a millimeter choreography to shift Camou alone on his wing. In numerical superiority following a dangerous tackle from Tixeront, the promoted player opened the scoring (11th, 7-0).
But, as usual, the same Bretons do not manage to maintain this intensity over time. Gradually, they lose the battle of the rucks and, in fact, control of the ball. The visitors score a first penalty (23rd, 7-3)
The balance of power reversed, and twice, around the half-hour mark, the Clermontois came close to scoring a try. But Raka then Tixeront appear clumsy as they approach the line. Finally, it was Régis Montagne, in power behind a successive one-touch penetrating group, who scored the equalizer (34th, 10-10). A few minutes later, on the siren, Montferrand takes the advantage on a penalty from Belleau (40th, 10-13).
Clermont undisciplined but clinical
Stung by the importance of the evening and its influence on the rest of the season, the Bretons returned from the locker room determined. Indeed, a victory this evening would bring them within four points of Stade Français… which they will host on the next day. The season can take a completely different turn at these two meetings. So, Maxime Lafage strives to reward the efforts of his teammates, who manage to put the visitors into error. He equalized (43rd, 13-13) then gave the advantage back to RCV (52nd, 16-13). But on one of its rare possessions of the ball, ASM took advantage of good work from Delguy, when his own candle fell. The game continues and it is finally Newsome who scores the third try of the match (54th, 16-20).
Senegal
