Racing Club Narbonnais struggled to get rid of Suresnes at the Jean-Moulin stadium, but the Audois won a third consecutive away success (19-20). Above all, thanks to this victory, the orange and black are preparing to spend the end of year holidays warmly, within the Top 2.
Watching the draw of Rouen against Bourg-en-Bresse on Friday evening from their Parisian hotel (20-20), the Racingmen had the information that in the event of success in Suresnes, the celebrations will take place within the Top 2 , just behind Chambéry (enhanced 24-0 victory against Bourgoin-Jallieu). But the Narbonnais waited until the last ten minutes to resolve a poorly started situation. On a first-hand burst, behind a – finally – precise touch, three-quarters spread their wings to send Pierre Nueno to the conclusion (72nd). “It’s a combination worked a lot in training which includes the whole team. It also allows us to go in front and win the match”rejoices the center.
Thibault Clauzade hit in the knee
We still needed a fine scratch from Peter Betham on a final Suresnoise offensive, a 50-22 perfectly achieved by Boris Goutard and hard defensive pressure to conclude the match and put an end to the suspense. All the people from Narbonne headed towards the staff, fists clenched, smiles on their faces and the satisfaction of a successful job. Because Racing had just concluded this hellish block of three trips with a third consecutive success away from the Park (19-20). Who would have thought that the Audois would come out this way when they saw this calendar? Not many people. However, the orange and black achieved it. And at the final whistle, the Narbonne supporters made the most noise, as they did throughout the match. This support, throughout France, gives wings to Racing at the start of the meeting.
If the first ammunition is forgotten en route due to a touch in difficulty, Peter Betham concludes the next following a successful collective movement (0-7, 12th). But the Narbonnais could – should – have had a much greater advantage at the break. Except that the counter hit from Suresnes, added to the ineffectiveness of the orange and black throw, does not allow the gap to increase. Even in numerical superiority. The fault also lies in the pouring rain in Suresnes this Saturday evening. Obviously, this weather did not help the actors. In these conditions, the locals took the opportunity to catch up, facing opponents who had become passive, asleep, almost too lax. JJ Taulagi offers a try to his friend Tuwai, and Racing falls back into these mistakes (10-10).
A peaceful departure on vacation
The old demons will continue in a second act that is not really exciting. Neither team gains the upper hand, nor creates clear chances. But the most worrying is the exit of Thibault Clauzade, injured in the knee. The third row seemed to have taken a hit, not helped by this unusual synthetic surface for players. But the entry of Luke Nakobukobua will show all the resources of this group. The Fijian will allow the Narbonne defense to put the pressure back on the Suresnois who are back on the pitch, as well as on the scoreboard (19-10, 65th). The rest is all set, the Narbonnais will go for the victory they so badly need (19-20). “We have to remember the character and the state of mind of the group to succeed in winning. This is the little gift that the group had set between us. Now we have to respond by being in the shoes of a team of the Top 2″concludes the Pierre Nueno center.
Thanks to this success, Narbonne equals the number of away victories from last season (5). When the team resumes, the Audois will have the cards in hand – seven receptions and four trips – to validate this great rise in power. But before Racing can go on vacation with peace of mind. This year, Santa Claus will be dressed in orange and black
France
