Pro D2: Narbonne dominates Rouen in a match of fear

Both teams are in great distress and have won only one match in their last 5 meetings.

Without focusing on the end of the season, the 3 matches that come to close this block will be essential for the RCN. Reception of Rouen, trip to Carcassonne (25/02) and reception of Bourg-en-Bresse (04/03).

RC Narbonnais played to scare themselves but finally won against Rouen (19-16) the match of the 21st day of Pro D2. A second success in a row at home for the Audois, last of Pro D2, who come back to 7 points behind their opponent of the day in the standings.

40th Narbonne against an attack from Rouen. Taulagi avoids two defenders but the kicking game goes into touch but the ball is touched by a Narbonnais. Scrum for Rouen on its 5 meters.

In a tense match, the two teams are not totally free and have made too many blunders and bad choices to put the opposing defenses in difficulty. It was therefore the scorers who stood out with 11 points from Méret and 9 from Lyndon for Rouen.

49th Narbonne takes the game on its own with a pass after contact from Taulagi on Namy but it does not pass. Taulagi plays on foot and finds a touch in the 15 Norman meters.

55th Big sequence of play with a breakthrough from Namy. On the ground. Norman offside. Méret takes the points. You have to score almost on the hour mark. RCN 16 – 9 Rouen!

73rd Foul by Rouen. Scrum collapsed. Departure from Nouhaillaguet, Axtens relay. Campbell at the wand. 5 meters from the line. A formality for Méret author of a 100% for Narbonne. RCN 19 – 09 Rouen!

78th Penalty for Rouen under the posts. Penaltouch. on the 5 meters Narbonnais. Rouen must score twice. RCN 19 – 16 Rouen!

80th The game is within 40 yards of Rouen. Who plays a 3 against 2. Foul of Rouen. Penalty. Narbonne saves his skin, it is the 2nd victory at home for the RCN this season but which concedes the defensive bonus point.

The success of the Narbonnais gave them a breath of fresh air. It also allowed the whole group to take a little confidence for the rest of the competition and to save a very difficult season to live from the beginning. Victory was imperative for the men of Marc Delpoux, otherwise, woe to the vanquished.

With a Lucas Méret author of a 5/6 on kicks, a Jérémy Chaput of the great days, with a Louis Madaule and a Paul Belzons who, for a few meetings, have raised their level of play, the RCN comes out not without pain and suffering.
Racing is 7 points behind Rouen but still a good distance away from Bourg-en-Bresse, which won against Agen. Grenoble won on its field against Aurillac. The last in the ranking no longer lose. Racing either but a derby is looming, go to Carcassonne which is to bow to Provence Rugby. The Aude derby, version 2, promises to be hot.

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Gabriel MIHAI

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