PRO D2 2024-2025 – Grenoble took the lead in the championship thanks to its improved success against Soyaux-Angoulême (37-7). Beaten at Valence-Romans (18-16), Oyonnax suffered a third setback in a row and was on the brink of collapse.
And in a day once again quite rich in tries (30 in six matches), Nicedried at home facing Brive (16-26), made the other very bad operation this Friday. Unlike Béziersfaller of Colomiers at the end of a furious match (44-40). A third success in a row for the Biterrois. Aurillac reaps a valuable enhanced success against Nevers (42-10) and moves away from the red zone. The shock of the evening saw Biarritz snatch an offensive bonus at the last second against Provence Rugby (25-0).
The shock of the day: Biarritz all bonus against Provence
Biarritz seems to have become a Pro D2 leader again. 32 points in eleven games, far from the struggle of last season and a maintenance which took so long to take shape. And by largely dominating Provence Rugby (25-0), this is a new message sent. The best home team, tied with… their evening opponent, did the job, once again.
Quite dull for a long time, with two small penalties of Thomas Dolhagaray (6-0, 15th), the shock of the evening got carried away at the half-hour mark. In particular, after the exclusion for ten minutes of Bilel Taiebfor a cynical foul in the scoring zone (34th). A temporary exclusion which will cost the Provençals dearly. Who almost break down on the action that follows. With a marvel of play at the foot of Thomas Dolhagaraywho finds his wingman Gervais Cordinwho hooks his last defender for the first try of the match (11-0, 36th). And the bill could have been heavier for the visitors if, in a two-on-one situation, Kylian Jaminet serves his winger, instead of trying to go solo. Crunching a ready-made try (40+1). Not sure the full-back was congratulated at the break.
Biarritz will exploit this numerical inferiority to the end. In strength, Solomon Tukuafu scored the second try for the Basques (18-0, 45th). Provence will have conceded 14 points and may harbor regrets. Because the visitors were far from being ridiculous in the rest of the match. But the clumsiness, despite the possession and the occupation, will have overcome any hope of return. And while Biarritz could have had a more complicated end to the match, they will go for the offensive bonus with a lot of heart. If Provence resists the maul after the throw-in, the ball is released and Nafitalai Maa'fu breaks through the opposing defense, to make a well-stocked Aguilera Stadium roar this Friday evening. A bonus and zero points collected!
Today's winner: Béziers continues
At the end of an absolutely fabulous match on both sides, Béziers dominated Colomiers among the Haut-Garonnais (44-40). A match with nine tries, including five for the Biterrois, who have a third success in a row. To get back into the top 6, at the end of the second block of matches. Something we wouldn't necessarily have bet on on the 8th day. Five tries, including a new double for one Gabin Lorrewho now has five tries in two matches. And with his 100% on the boot, he once again scored 29 points, after his 30 points last week. The one who is tracked by Top 14 clubs is in absolutely immense shape and the main architect of the prestigious success of his team. Already his team's third in six games.
But the hooker Wilmar Arnoldi also distinguished himself with his double. This match could have gone one way or the other, the score evolving quickly on the home side then the visitors, at an absolutely frantic pace. But with this first setback of the season at home, Colomiers is back in line and will be out of the Top 6 at the break. After a good start to the season, they have won only one of their last five matches, with one draw and three defeats. The toll is heavy. It is very possible that the return week will be very busy for the Columérins. Who will have a very tricky trip on the Grenoble pitch which is in great shape at the moment.
The loser of the day: Nice cannot do it at home
It is customary to say that maintaining a position requires being as impeccable as possible at home. Unfortunately, the promoted Nice is in immense difficulty on his lawn. Beaten by Brive (16-26). The Niçois dominated the entire meeting by the Corréziens who won a second success on the road, after the SA XV, at the very start of the season. With six points in six games, the Niçois are more than ever the worst team at home, five points behind the IN XV. How did this team, which came so close to an immense feat at Montaubanlast weekend and who already has 10 points on the road, perhaps in just as much difficulty at home?
A question that the people of Nice must ask themselves, who are now down to last place, three points behind Valence-Romans, Oyonnax et Nevers. Things are becoming somewhat complicated, even if the situation is not catastrophic. Their overall start to the season is not otherwise. But between the failed exploits on the road and the successive defeats at home, they are losing valuable points in a tight championship. With 33 points, Brive is guaranteed to be 3rd on the 11th day. A completely decent start to the season in a Top 6 which is leading the way, with almost three points per match.
Other results
On two different floors, Grenoble et Aurillac are doing very good weekend operations. Grenoble ended up cracking the IN XV in the last quarter of an hour, after a long close match. To impose yourself 37-7 and grab the offensive bonus. A precious point to take the lead in the Top 14 alone. And validate a superb series, with four victories in five matches. A very difficult time this season, Aurillac finds a smile again, with a third victory in four matches and a great demonstration against Nevers (42-10), which seems set to indeed play its part. Five tries for the Aurillacois, including two doubles from the pillar Basa Khonelidze and the center Karl Martin. A cosmopolitan component which succeeds well in Aurillac, which temporarily rises to 9th place.
At the end of a match that was indecisive until the end, Valence-Romans inflicted on Oyonnax a third defeat in a row (18-16). Led all match, the Aindinois thought they would overturn the game, with a drop of Chris Smith. A drop finally refused for a foot in touch Darren Sweetnambefore the action. The Drômois remain in the barrage, but are now clinging to their evening opponent, who continues to sink and who is going to have a very bad truce.
