The challenge promised to be massive against the thick armor of Clermont. It was from the start for the Palois who let the fast Delguy escape from the start of this high-pressure meeting. Behind, there followed countless playing times for the ASM whites, determined to slip into touch rather than take the points, as demanded by their pragmatic manager Christophe Urios.
Faced with incessant attacks from his opponents, Pau planted the barbed wire for nineteen long minutes. Sometimes on the verge of giving in, the Section has a series of annoyances: a try refused for an advance (6th), fouls (7 in the first act!), or a yellow card for Picquette following a head to head (14th) ; but she holds on.
In the 19th minute, Pau's first incursion into the opposing camp made a splash. The second hits the mark. In the 31st minute, the green and white scrum drove into this formidable pack of Clermont forwards in dragster mode. Scorer Joe Simmonds is responsible for giving the smallest of advantages (3-0, 33rd), to return to the locker room in the lead.
The Section defended its line successfully throughout the first period, it almost entered the second on a cap try, marked by the extended arm of Hemery (3-7, 42nd). Not enough to annihilate the confidence of Pau, built up throughout the first 40 minutes. Pau returns to the fight, the maul advances: Simmonds adds 3 points (6-7, 45th). The Englishman then serves Maddocks, who propels Brau-Boirie in the interval. The young Bigourdan center, anything but shy for his first start in Top 14 at Hameau, serves this devil of Attissogbe inside (13-7, 53rd).
Galvanized, the Section continues to push the Clermontois adrift: Pau continues counterattacks with kicks, and finds the Auvergne in-goal. Suffering like his entire team, Simmons was penalized with a yellow (60th) and, in the action that followed, the Pau scrum was rewarded with a penalty try (20-7). During the rest, the Palois resisted the Clermont waves, until this blunder by Maddocks who returned a ball in the air to Fouyssac, for a try which did not change the outcome of the match (20-14, 78th).
The editorial team advises you
Fact of the match: a dominant forward pack
Targeted by all the staff of the Top 14 because it has suffered since the start of the season, the Pau scrum largely contributed to the success of the Section this Saturday, with four introductions won for only one lost. It allowed Simmonds to open the scoring, with a devastating push on Clermont's introduction. Bis repeated as the score increased to 20-7, leading referee Tual Trainini to award a penalty try.
Facing a Clermont team that has been the queen of the fight since the start of the season, the Section held its own in this very difficult first act thanks in particular to its pack of forwards, who knew how to contain the numerous balloons carried into action. The number 1 weapon of this ASM.
-The player: Loïc Credoz at the forefront of the fight
The 3rd line arrived in the off-season from Oyonnax and played a key role in Béarn's success. In the absence of Hugo Auradou, the sideline captain hovered in the lineup, capturing two balls from opposing throws (two others from his own throws), while the Section began to weaken in the first act.
At the forefront of the fight, the man in the shadows also distinguished himself by tackling with all his might (17 tackles, 6 misses), like his teammates who punctuated the meeting with 160 successful tackles (34 missed). To the range of the native of Annecy, we can add a precious scratched ball or even two crossings.
The rest: two big meetings for maintenance
The Section goes on vacation with a light spirit, climbing to 9th place in the Top 14, just five lengths behind Stade Français, the barrage, which only saved a meager defensive bonus from its trip to Vannes, despite being outnumbered for 76 minutes (33-28). The Palois are at the head of a field of five teams which are held in five points (Perpignan, Racing, Lyon and Paris).
The next trip to Jean-Bouin's side, in two weeks (Saturday February 15 at 4:30 p.m.) after the international break due to the 6 Nations Tournament, once again promises an intense and decisive match. And what about Perpignan’s reception at the Hameau, the following Saturday, February 22? On March 1, Pau will challenge Racing. The next three meetings will provide valuable lessons on the rest of the Section season. Move away from the red zone and knock on the door of the top 8 or treat yourself to a final sprint under tension? Answer next episode.
Jimi Maximin, it seems serious
For Sébastien Piqueronies and the Section Paloise, happiness was not complete after the success in Clermont. And for good reason! Released in the 57th minute after being hit in a ruck, 2nd row Jimi Maximin was in pain on the Hameau lawn. He left the field supported by two members of the medical staff, limping at the bottom of his right leg, apparently injured in the knee. “We fear something serious. He would have to miss several weekends of competition,” regretted the Pau manager.
Maximin, 25, participated in 6 Top 14 and 3 Challenge Cup matches this season with the Section. It was recently extended until 2027 in Béarn. While Mickaël Capelli has finished the season, Thomas Jolmes is not yet back, Tom Franklin is an unknown and Hugo Auradou should stay with the Blues during the 6 Nations Tournament, Rémi Picquette remains the only 2nd row still valid profession… Moreover, Pau finished the meeting with five third lines, including Whitelock and Hamonou in 4 and 5.
