They were promised a hostile atmosphere. The Vannes residents were not disappointed! As soon as they arrived at the Aimé-Giral stadium, they were greeted with boos and “USAP!” USAP! », very quickly followed by smoke bombs in the colors of blood and gold.
The stage was set. Jean-Noël Spitzer's men would have to fight against more than 14,250 Perpignanais and the famous Catalan furia.
The appearance of rain during the first period and the black clouds which enveloped the enclosure gave an apocalyptic dimension to this clash of fear between the last two of the Top 14.
The weather was as electric as the atmosphere. Whistles, broncas and bad faith were on the program, as if each Vannes tackle was irregular.
Every pretext was good to put pressure on the referee and the opponent. Even when Mr. Cayre penalized the Bretons, the Perpignan supporters complained about a penalty given in the wrong place. They shouted “offside” at each Morbihan defensive outing. Each error from RC Vannes was accompanied by applause. We were far from the cathedral silence of La Rabine when Maxime Lafage then Thibault Debaës stumbled.
The bronca after two refused attempts
The climax was reached around the half-hour mark when two USAP tries, scored by Buliruarua (30') and Ruiz (34'), were canceled after a video call. And the only moment of respite granted to the Vannetais was during the exit to the applause of the former member of the house Karl Chateau, nine seasons in Perpignan, at the start of the second half (46').
The Catalan supporters were aware of the importance of this match and they responded, perhaps even a little more than since the start of the season. As proof, the tenth consecutive sellout at Aimé-Giral was recorded two days before the match and not a few hours before as in previous meetings.
Perhaps for the first time this season, the RCV was considered a real competitor and not an object of curiosity destined to make the elevator at the end of the season.
Francisco Gorrissen and his teammates paid the price. They never really existed against a team, although deprived of 15 players including many executives, but inhabited by a conquering spirit at home. The learning continues but the five points lost on a direct competitor are a big blow in the mission to maintain the Top 14. RC Vannes retains the place of red lantern at the end of the first block and sees a first gap widen with the rest of the elite.
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