While they were direct competitors a few weeks ago, Nevers and Nice now have a few points of difference. Despite this, the Niçois fell short (48-24), but forced the Nevers team to work hard to secure the offensive bonus.
This evening, the Stade Niçois traveled to the Nevers field, a direct competitor just a few weeks ago. Even though maintaining their position is no longer attainable without a major feat, it does not prevent the Niçois from putting their heart into their work during each outing.
Despite this, the start of the match is catastrophic, and a lack of precision in the scoring zone and tackling allows Nevers to lead (23-0) after 30 minutes of play. However, as often seen this season, Nice responds well and scores 12 points in the last ten minutes of the first half by scoring two tries. These tries temporarily removed the defensive bonus from their opponents that evening.
A second half that is tighter and more challenging
Troubled upon returning from the locker room and once again falling victim to a local try, the Niçois are once again reactive and score another try. Moreover, this pattern will repeat throughout the last 40 minutes. Nevers presses after each try in order to snatch this offensive bonus, crucial in their quest to maintain their standing.
But each time, the Stade Niçois plays the spoiler and deprives the Nevers players of this bonus. However, in the 80th minute, Nevers crosses the line under the posts one last time, breaking the Niçois defense for the seventh time. One time too many to prevent the Nevers team from collecting the bonus. Nevers finally wins (48-24) and climbs to the ninth place while Nice remains at the bottom. The next appointment will be a challenging journey to face Soyaux-Angoulême.