End of the series of invincibilities at Gerland.
This Saturday, October 26, LOU Rugby saw its fortress of Gerland fall against a formidable team from Aviron Bayonnais. This home defeat (38-49) ends a series of 13 consecutive victories at Matmut Stadium. After a chaotic first half, where the Lyonnais multiplied their blunders in attack and showed a shaky defense, they found themselves trailing at the break. Only Josiah Maraku managed to score a try during these difficult first 40 minutes.
Upon returning from the locker room, Fabien Gengenbacher's men seemed to regain some color. Sébastien Taofifénua quickly scored a try in the 42nd minute, giving hope to a public who still believed in the comeback. Four additional tries, including one from Yanis Charcosset at the last minute, were not enough. Too many wasted chances and missed conversions sealed the fate of the Lyonnais, who let the match slip away in the final moments.
With this defeat (38-49), LOU falls to 9th place in the Top 14 ranking, while Bayonne climbs onto the podium in 3rd place. A reaction will be essential during the next trip to Toulon, followed by a formidable shock against Stade Toulousain.
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