For the first time in a long time, Alban won without scoring a try. It was the precision of scorer Mathéo Fraysse which validated the Tarn success. Attacking the match with speed, the locals materialized this superiority by converting opposing fouls. “Our lack of discipline will be a reflection of the afternoon,” will analyze one of the Catalan coaches Fabien Rofes. And during the first half, the Albanians will never manage to cross the line but will be able to maintain the pressure. Twice, well-executed attacks failed due to clumsiness (18, 36).
The visitors’ vigilance was not lacking either, but they were especially well organized in the second half, while, perhaps, the locals relaxed their caution, assured of a significant gap at the break. Because during the second act, the Catalans marked their territory with the contribution of their bench which did not retreat under the pressure. The fresh and strong blood of the ESC allows them to gain meters by progressing through sustained mauls which result in their first two tries. The third resulting from a well-led attack, where the full-back was even able to get closer to the center of the posts. The Argelès players will regret having only really played one half, even if they won two points: a defensive bonus point and an offensive bonus point (three tries to zero).
For the locals, this victory is to be achieved with humility: “The guys deserved their evening ahead. But this week, we will have to prepare very seriously for the match at Balma which is a good team like all those in the group”, already warns Albanian coach Christian Cabanes.
Belgium
