In this clash of pool 4 between the 3rd place team (Nice) and the leader (Dijon), the numerous supporters at Stade des Arboras watched as Stade Niçois overcame the Dijon leader with a score of 30-21. With this victory and with three matches remaining before the end of the championship, Nice is still in the running for qualification for the finals.
A week after their defeat in the Azurean derby in Grasse, Nice welcomed Stade Dijonnais for one of the biggest clashes in Federal 1. David Bolgashvili’s men were eager to bounce back from last weekend’s misstep and the defeat against their Gras neighbor. On this occasion, the Nice coach decided to field a team based on combat and physical impact.
Dijon Takes the Lead
You couldn’t afford to be late for this match. From the 3rd minute of play, the tension of this high-stakes match (as a victory would guarantee Dijon a spot in the finals) became evident with a yellow card received by the Dijon center for a shoulder tackle. This allowed Romain to score the first points of the game (3-0). Since then, the visitors have set their pace and implemented their rugby strategy. The Burgundians continue their phases of play but are met with very good Azurean defense. The locals even manage to counter their opponent with a magnificent try by Cazanave on the counterattack, allowing his teammates to lead 10-0. Nice defends well but concedes too much, breaking three times in the first half (23rd, 30th, and 34th minutes). Dijon takes the lead over its opponent 21-10. Nice’s Georgian second-row Chkhaidze allows his team to go into the dressing room with only a 4-point deficit thanks to a powerful try. 21-17 for Dijon at halftime.
A High-level Second Half
13-0. That’s the score Stadе Niçois inflicted on its opponent of the day in the second half. The locals rely on effective forward play and the speed of the backline. Yet, this second period is marked by the tension on the field. Three yellow cards were distributed (two for the Bourgogne players and one for the Stade des Arboras inhabitants). After a disastrous second half last week in Grasse, Jeremy Malavard’s teammates have set the record straight. A clear and undisputed dominance against the leader who could not find a breakthrough.
Even better, Nice dominated in scrums and “crushed” their opponent. As a result of a very well-structured and dominant maul near the Dijon try line, the referee even awarded a penalty try to reward the Azureans’ efforts. The Nice scrum sealed the victory with two penalties gained at the end of the match. Final score: 30-21 for Nice. Dijon leaves the Southeast without a defensive bonus.
Stade Niçois in 3rd Place
Thanks to this success, the Stadists are now only one point behind today’s opponent and two points behind Bourgoin, now the leader. Nice has three matches left to secure one of the top two places (qualifying for the finals). In two weeks, they will need to travel to Bédarrides before facing Hyères (4th and just behind them in the standings). The last match, perhaps the qualifying match, will be at home against the current leader… Bourgoin. A final.
