Nice Stage Late Comeback to Beat Narbonne 29-26

Narbonne and Nice players contest possession during their Pro D2 match in France on 6 November 2026.

Racing Club Narbonnais looked in control after building a 14-point lead early in the second half, but Nice fought back to level the score through Rouet's 74th-minute try before a decisive late penalty secured a 29-26 away win in France's Pro D2.

Racing Club Narbonnais looked in control after building a 14-point lead early in the second half, but Nice fought back to level the score through Rouet’s 74th-minute try before a decisive late penalty secured a 29-26 away win in France’s Pro D2.

A high-stakes meeting in the south of France

The tenth round of France’s Pro D2 brought together two sides separated by just two points in the standings. Nice began the evening in 13th place on 16 points, with Narbonne 14th on 14. The match therefore carried significant importance for both clubs as they looked to strengthen their position in a demanding league campaign.

There was also a recent history between the teams. Narbonne had beaten Nice 23-20 in the French Nationale final 175 days earlier. For the visitors, the trip to the Parc des Sports et de l’Amitié offered an opportunity to respond to that defeat and secure their first away win of the season.

Narbonne made the stronger start. Nice opened the scoring with a penalty in the third minute, but the home side quickly established its power game. A driving maul from a lineout carried the ball forward, allowing hooker Daniel Jooste to score in the eighth minute. Hugo Goyenech added the conversion and later kicked further points.

Nice stayed within reach through the accuracy of scrum-half Théo Idjellidaine. However, Narbonne controlled much of the first-half physical contest and went into the break with a 13-6 lead.

Timu extends the advantage

The home side began the second half with renewed momentum. In the 45th minute, Caleb Timu finished a multi-phase attack after a lineout near the visitors’ try line. Goyenech converted, putting Narbonne 20-6 ahead.

At that stage, the hosts appeared to have a firm grip on the match. Nice, however, gradually found a way back into the contest. The visitors made changes that brought fresh energy to their attack and began to move the ball around the Narbonne pack rather than repeatedly challenging it head-on.

Sirguel’s try in the 50th minute gave Nice a foothold. The match then developed into a contest of penalties and territorial pressure, with both kickers keeping the scoreboard moving.

Narbonne continued to rely on its forward strength and on the work of players such as Jooste, whose turnovers at the breakdown helped the hosts relieve pressure. But Nice increasingly threatened the home side’s defensive structure, particularly through its work at scrum time.

Rouet brings Nice level

The decisive shift came in the closing stages. A handling error by Narbonne close to its own try line gave Nice an opportunity to strike. Rouet took it, scoring in the corner in the 74th minute. The conversion was successful, bringing the score to 26-26.

The equaliser transformed the final minutes. Narbonne now had to withstand one last spell of pressure, while Nice sensed the possibility of completing the comeback.

The visitors won a crucial scrum contest in the closing moments. The referee awarded a penalty after the Nice pack gained the upper hand, and the visitors chose to take the points rather than continue attacking. The kick went over, giving Nice a 29-26 lead and securing the away victory.

A result shaped by adaptability and late-game execution

The match offered a clear illustration of two different strengths. Narbonne imposed itself through its driving game and collective effort, building a substantial lead. Nice showed the ability to adapt, use its bench and target the areas where the balance of power was beginning to change.

For Narbonne, the late defeat will be difficult to absorb after leading by 14 points in the second half. The performance nevertheless contained positive elements, particularly in the first-half forward battle and the work of Jooste and Goyenech.

For Nice, the result carries added significance. It was an away win against a close rival in the standings and a response to the defeat in the previous season’s Nationale final. The club can now turn its attention to the next home fixture against Valence, scheduled for 20 November at Stade Marcel-Volot.

In rugby, control of the scoreboard is never the same as control of the final outcome. Nice proved that persistence, tactical adjustment and precision in the final moments can overturn even a substantial deficit.

Final score: Racing Club Narbonnais 26-29 Nice.