Racing 92 were under pressure before the start of the 5th day with only one victory in four matches. The Ile-de-France residents, traveling to La Rabine against RC Vannes, did not have a great match but left with a very valuable victory thanks to a more controlled second period and a dominant pack (24-27). Stuart Lancaster’s men are taking their heads out of the water and plunging the promoted team into doubt.
At the end of a constant fight, where each team had its period, it was Racing 92, author of a start to the season below expectations, which found its smile again (27-24). Fickou’s partners owe this success to their physical density. Thanks to this victory, the Lancaster gang temporarily returns to one point from the top 6 (8th, 10 points). Vannes (13th, 6 points) returns to Paris (14th).
A big start then nothing more for Vannes
The start of the match was very lively. Nolann Le Garrec, the child from the Breton country, was refused a try following a screen, previously, from Diallo. The third wing line facilitated a full-field breakthrough from Vinaya Habosi (6th). Facing the wind, Vannes played a lot to move up the field. Following two penalties, the Vannes forwards made a good effort. On the goal line, the Spitzer gang decided to open the game with three-quarters. Thanks to a pass behind Arrate’s back, Rayasi was placed in space for an unstoppable try between the posts (7-0, 9th).
Omnipresent in this first quarter of an hour, Habosi woke up Racing 92. The Fijian winger came to mingle with his pack of forwards to finish the move near a ruck (7-7, 15th). To you, to me, then. After an exchange between the scorers (10-10, 23rd and 35th), Cyril Blanchard, supported by Kalamafoni and Metz, imitated the Fijian winger from Racing 92 just before the break (17-10, 40th + 1). A very bad operation for the Ile-de-France residents who were not able to make good use of the help of the wind. Dissatisfied with his team, Lancaster did not hesitate to make four changes after returning from the locker room.
The Racing 92 showed character
In the second act, the Ciel et Blanc tightened the game, relying in particular on the strength of its forward pack. Having just arrived in France, Feleti Kaitu’u brought his team back thanks to a collective maul, supported in particular by the three-quarters (17-17, 57th).
So disciplined as usual, Vannes conceded too many faults (18 penalties in total!). Arrate paid for the collective work (63rd). With numerical superiority, the visitors hit the nail on the head. At the end of the wing, following a cross with Spring, Fickou went to the promised land (17-24, 66th). In front for the first time in the game, Racing 92 took definitive shelter thanks to a penalty from Le Garrec (17-27, 72nd).
The locals still had a burst of pride at the end of the game, but the awakening was too late. Moukoro’s strong try ensured a meager defensive bonus (24-27, 80th). Next week, near Créteil, Racing 92 will host Toulon. A little later in the afternoon, Vannes will travel to Montpellier.
