The issues: a new status to defend
Thanks to its success over Agen (37-10), the second in a row at the Stade des Alpes with offensive bonus (37-10), the FCG (3rd, 27 points) rose to the rank of co-leader (with Montauban and Biarritz) of the Pro D2. A status that no one boasts about in Lesdiguières, because “only” nine days have been contested and the gap with the first non-qualifiable (Béziers, 7th) is only five units. However, things are gradually settling down in this 2024-2025 championship. In the event of a favorable result for Oyonnax (11th, 18 pts), the Isérois could still gain ground on the competition. On the other hand, a setback in Ain would cause the FCG to plunge back to around 6th place.
>> The ranking and calendar of Pro D2
The adversary: a two-faced Oyonnax
In August, the sixteen Pro D2 clubs designated Oyonnax as the favorite for this 2024-2025 championship. Logical, thinking of the only relegated Top 14, French Pro D2 champion in 2023. Alas, three months later, the flagship club of Ain is dragging itself not far from the red zone… the fault of a course at the hungry outside (five defeats, a defensive bonus). But at Charles-Mathon, the Oyonnaxiens are not the same: four successes out of four, including one improved (Nice, 52-3) and only four tries conceded. So, Oyo, sick or just inconstant?
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What is certain is that everything has not been going well for several weeks in Haut-Bugey. Notably because Joe El Abd, emblematic manager of the USO, decided to respond favorably to an offer of service from the England XV (defense coach). The Englishman is also spending his month of November near Twickenham. Without him (and with Fabien Cibray at their head) and without a few internationals (the Uruguayan 2nd line Leindekar, the Georgian scrum half Lobzhanidze, etc.), Oyo must raise its head.
The man to watch: Lilian Rossi
He does not often start with the FCG and each of these “capes” must be appreciated for their true value. But the 26-year-old from Échirolle made a consistent start to the 2024-2025 season, and responded when he was called upon, particularly during an early start at Montauban (11th). This time as a starter, in a still very overhauled Dauphinois XV, Rossi will bring his defensive slaughter to his team, in addition to throws in touch where he is progressing in terms of reliability. Above all, his ball-scraping skills should be very useful against the formidable Oyonnaxiens in the tackler-tackle zone. To relieve the Rouge et Bleu, called upon to defend a lot this Friday.
The number: 6
The number of former Grenoblois present on the Oyonnax Rugby match sheet Friday evening. Out of a total of seven possible. A record, in Pro D2. Right pillar Ali Oz, third line center Loïc Godener, Irish center Chris Farrell and winger Karim Qadiri will start, while third line Kevin Kornath and Fijian three-quarter Edward Sawailau will be among the finishers.
The declaration
“It’s important for them to come to this type of meeting. To see what the high level is like, how a team prepares outside of the Espoirs matches. And above all, it’s about taking steps. They are not far from the professional squad. There is still a big step to take. And with this type of match, they will get tougher. » From Nicolas Nadau, co-coach of the FCG, about the presence of right pillar Théo Lavoine and 2nd line Camille Baz-Marcos in the 23 Isérois in Ain.
The Oyonnax – Grenoble match will be followed live with commentary on www.ledaphine.com/sport on Friday from 6:30 p.m.
Direct confrontations: close to each other
Not two years go by without an Oyonnax – Grenoble coming to mark the oval chronicle. Since 2006, the two neighbors from Rhône-Alpes have crossed paths 28 times in official matches (Top 14 and Pro D2) and the Aindinois score 15 victories to 13 in confrontations. Three matches, more than the others, left their mark: the Pro D2 2022-2023 final, won by Oyo in Toulouse (14-3) to open the doors to the Top 14; the Top 14 access match of 2018, at the Stade des Alpes, turning into a triumph for the FCG (47-22); and, between the two, the immense comeback of the FCG at the Charles-Mathon stadium, on January 7, 2021, for a legendary victory (from 24-3 to 27-35).
