” Amazing ! » “Miraculous! ” ” Huge ! », blurted the Luziens, at the end of their last confrontation with Fleurance. It was May 15, 2023, on the lawn of the Blue Flag, in the quarter-final of the French championship, during their first season in Nationale 2. The SJLO had just qualified for the semi-final, after an incredible scenario.
The outcome of this match will remain in the annals of the Olympics for a long time. The Gersois then won (11-13) but the Basques, winners in the first leg (14-16), qualified for the final four. A perfect tie which led to a penalty shootout to decide between them. The second row Luigi Dias then distinguished himself by scoring the winning penalty.
Unblock the meter outside
Since then, the two teams have not faced each other again, Fleurance being in the East pool last season. Today, the Gersois are in a tough situation with only one victory against Salles (38-29) since the start of the season. For their part, the Basques finished their last block with a victory against Anglet (27-20). But, they still haven't brought back a single point from the outside.
There are four days left in the first leg of the championship. Two trips: Fleurance and Arcachon. And two receptions: Valence d’Agen and Graulhet. The idea for the Corsairs: remain undefeated at home and stop traveling empty. “We must be the worst away team in terms of points conceded,” admits coach Mathieu Bélie. We want to unblock the counter outside and start looking up the table. It involves a performance in Fleurance. »
For this trip, Bixente Sanchez, recovered from his injury, will be on the trip, as will Julien Laveran, released by Dax, and Welcome Bladi, by the patrol. Behind, first start for Alejandro de la Rosa. Théo Dassance, injured in the ankle, leaves his place to Alexis Pebay and Iban Hourcade, versatile at the hinge.
Fleurance – Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Hourly This Sunday at 3:15 p.m. Lieu Fleurance (Marius-Lacoste stadium). Arbitrator M. Sfez.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
The team Viudes – Bonnardel, Acebes, Daubas (c), Irigoyen – (o) Hilsenbeck, (m) Pebay, Laveran, Juanicotena, Yborra – Bladi, Poupon – Casenave, Duvert, Jouannet. Substitutes: Trabuchi, Goyeneche, Pakihivatau, Cancillo, Hourcade, Arrieta, De la Rosa, Sanchez, Armengaud, Lalanne.
