Soyaux-Angoulême suffer but breathe

On Thursday, opening round 22, Soyaux-Angoulême claimed an important win over Valence-Romans (17-13). Blowing hot and cold this season, SAXV remain mid-table (10th, 44 points), 11 points off the 6th place that brings play-off qualification but also 12 points clear of the relegation play-off spot in 15th. It took some doing to beat a VRDR side solid up front, but handicapped by the injury to fly-half Lucas Méret. Valence-Romans stay 4th (62) but now lead Oyonnax by only five points.

Agen’s big win at Provence Rugby

Provence had to put things right after their defeat at Dax, where indiscipline hurt them badly. Not this time. Provence went down at home to an enterprising Agen side (22-24) with more energy about them. Philippe Saint-André’s players miss a fine chance to take second place. Conversely, Agen keep believing and close in on the 6th place held by Brive. They are now only three points behind Brive and are showing they will have to be reckoned with.

Béziers turn to Marques

“We don’t want to take this club down“, Charly Malié insisted, speaking to Canal +. We’re happy to believe him. Against Oyonnax, credible candidates for a play-off place come the end of the season, ASBH managed to win (16-15), thanks to a last-gasp penalty from chief marksman Samuel Marques. Béziers give themselves a bit of breathing space and sit 12th (38 points) before a crucial trip to Mont-de-Marsan. Oyonnax, for their part, lost in the closing moments again. Which greatly irritated manager Fabien Cibray… Oyonnax are 5th before they host Dax.

The new face of Mont-de-Marsan

While they choose to write off plenty of away trips, Mont-de-Marsan are baring their teeth at home. The Landes side clearly dominated Biarritz (34-16), in a match that was vital in the survival battle. The Yellow and Blacks even claimed a bonus-point win thanks to a try from Tuifua (his second of the game), on the hooter. Mont-de-Marsan are 15th but come back to within two points of Biarritz and Dax, before another home game, against Béziers. BO, meanwhile, keep spinning their wheels and find themselves in danger before taking on Provence Rugby. Storm warning on the Basque coast…

Carcassonne dig deep

82nd minute, in front of the posts, McPhillips does not flinch and sends the Stade Domec into raptures. Carcassonne are still alive thanks to their win the previous day over Aurillac (23-21). While the final decision – the jackal by Lucas Oudard – is disputed by the Aurillac staff, Carcassonne showed patience and courage. Aurillac stay mid-table (8th, 47 points) but have not had their final say.

Brive’s monstrous finish

72nd minute, 27-24. At that point, Dax are only three points behind and win a scrum inside the Brive 22. Yes, but a dangerous tackle by Hasse Ferreira is reviewed and a yellow card is shown to the Dax prop. In less than 10 minutes, Krone, Lefranc and above all Fraissenon get over the line, allowing CAB to claim a bonus-point win (48-24). Brive are 6th (55). Dax will have a few regrets given how much they put in. But wins for their direct rivals leave them in danger with a trip to Oyonnax on the horizon.

Grenoble finally back it up, Nevers sinking

Bastien Soury’s try on the hooter delivered for FCG away at Nevers (26-27). A week after their win over Brive, Jeff Dubois’s players finally string two together, despite another scruffy display and a scrum that was knocked about. Are Grenoble embarked on a wild climb up the table in this run-in? Time will tell. Next up, a home game against SAXV. Nevers, for their part, are sinking. They have now gone seven matches without a win. Xavier Péméja’s players are going to have to start looking behind them…

Who can stop Vannes?

“Vannes will finish top”, reckoned Colomiers manager Florian Nicot. Hard to argue… Once again, RC Vannes rolled on at home on Friday night against their nearest challengers from Colomiers (40-12). No attacking bonus point, but a home semi-final looks undeniable. Colomiers, still second after Provence Rugby’s home defeat, remain in the race and, at full strength, this team can do serious damage.