Pro D2. The FCG fails to bring down the citadel of Provence

It was a match at the top, THE match of the month of January in Pro D2, and it kept all its promises Friday evening at the Maurice-David stadium. And Provence Rugby ended up winning (24-18), not without difficulty, to confirm that it was back in the race for the direct semi-finals. But FC Grenoble behaved like a boss, assuming its playing ambitions in a hostile context and putting itself in a position to be the first to bring down an untouched citadel.

Flashes of class from the wingers

In this ambitious match, it was Grenoble who fired their first shots. With fifteen minutes all to the advantage of the Rouge et Bleu and a first try, superb, flattened by the center Kveseladze at the conclusion of a long collective action (12^e). With a ten-point lead (0-10), they forced the Provençaux to finally sound the alarm.

It came after a well-executed penalty, which sent Léo Drouet into the goal, after a laser pass from his opener Soulan (5-10, 16^e). And especially during a big period of indiscipline from Isère, symbolized by the (stupid) yellow card conceded by Sam Davies (which prevented Coville from quickly playing a penalty, 20^e) or the obstructions of Giorgi Javakhia (21^e et 31^e). Just before the Welshman returned to the field, Léo Drouet scored a second try (29^e) and Jules Soulan's foot gave Aix the advantage for the first time (15-10, 32^e).

The FCG seemed to be in trouble. But he always remained in contact, thanks to the individual talent of his wingers: Gerswin Mouton broke, then Kaminieli Rasaku sped towards the goal alone after picking up the ball and breaking a tackle from George North (15-15, 34^e). It was blow for blow! AND it was very high level.

A 2^e halftime almost without points

Grenoble could believe it, especially as shortly after the restart, Sam Davies slammed an impeccable drop against the poles (15-18, 46^e). A glimmer of hope, quickly extinguished by a penalty from Soulan (48^e) and above all not followed by effects. Never during the 2^e period, the FCG did not regain the quality of play and its ability to be dangerous in the first 40 minutes. Provence, without doing much more, but with more efficiency, added points at the foot, through its scorer Soulan (24-18, 66^e).

Trailing at the start of money time, but still within reach of a victory, the Alpins threw their last strength into the battle. But neither Hugo Trouilloud, who released a good ball within 22 m (68^e) nor a last penalty touch in front of the Aix goal (72^e), did not bring a third try. So there was no victory, no defensive bonus… and it’s annoying. Not alarming.

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