At half-time, FCG backs coach Nicolas Nadau half-admitted at the Canal + microphone that he had let rip in the changing room. Unhappy with what his players had produced, the backs coach probably did not much enjoy their second half either… He can nonetheless take some comfort from Grenoble’s narrow win (20-17) over Nevers. Clear favourites before kick-off, the Isère side had all the trouble in the world getting out of the trap set by their young opponents. The opening stages went the hosts’ way after a Trouilloud penalty (8th minute) and a Bastien Soury try (21st). And then? An end to the first half in Nevers’ favour thanks to a try from Leinster-bred centre Turner (24th).

What followed was far scrappier, even laboured. The aggression of the USON players considerably disrupted the attacks of a much shakier Grenoble. Trouilloud, with another penalty, and Couilloud (67th), with another try, put their side out of reach… Until that final scrum, after the hooter, in front of the FCG try line. Young scrum-half Jules Bousquet, who arrived from Clermont in the last close season, decided to go it alone down the right. Like a veteran, he managed to navigate his way through and touch down behind the line.

Coenie Basson and his men then celebrated that losing bonus point like a win. It has to be said that USON travelled without several senior men and had decided to give a run to young players who, for the most part, were making their first Pro D2 appearance. Real satisfaction for this group, who kept one of the division’s heavyweights sweating for a long time. As for Grenoble, the week ahead will no doubt be a diligent one. The trip to Brive on 26 September (9pm) will be of a different intensity.