On Saturday evening, the RNCA got their revenge by defeating La Seyne-sur-mer (20–8). In the first leg, US Seynoise had won 24–15. This victory should restore confidence to the Nice team ahead of the match in Chateaurenard.
On Saturday, the Nice rugby players managed to gain control of more balls, thanks to increased aggressiveness and a bit more commitment than in previous games.
A good match
The forwards had a good match, exemplified by Karim Dahbi, who started for the first time on the right. The backs spread the ball out a bit more, partly thanks to Pedro Leal being positioned as fly-half. The play in the back is not yet perfect: there are still some inaccuracies.
The Nice team ahead from start to finish
Adrien Malavard broke the ice at the beginning of the match, notably with a penalty kick from more than 55 meters!
In the 39th minute, the forwards scored the first try. Bastien Sainte-Croix grounded the ball following a series of pick-and-go plays near the Seyne goal line. At halftime, the two teams parted with a score of 10–3 in favor of Nice.
During the second half, the Azuréens tried to maintain the pace. Meanwhile, the Varois played well but lacked success with their kicks. They also conceded the second try to Nice: the RNCA recovered a lost ball in their 22 meters, cleared it without finding touch. Rudy Keil collected the ball from the bounce in the opponent’s 40 meters and ran towards the goal line. Leal converted the try and also scored a penalty a few minutes later. La Seyne eventually scored an unconverted try. The match ended with a victory for the RNCA, 20–8.
This match is promising before the away game in Chateaurenard. The Nice team will try to make up for the poor performance in the first leg, lost at Arboras.
