Pro D2 – Provence Rugby crush Valence-Romans and validate their ticket to the semi-finals

Bouches-du-Rhône experiences a capricious month of April from a meteorological point of view, Provence Rugby brings the sun to the pitch. In front of more than 8,000 people at Maurice-David, Mauricio Reggiardo’s band defeated Valence-Romans (43-8) under a beautiful light. In a match of eight tries, including seven in favor of the locals, Adrien Lapègue found the goal twice.

With this new improved success, Provence Rugby (2nd, 86 points) confirmed their place in the semi-finals after the loss without bonus from Béziers to Grenoble (34-19). Valence-Romans (11th, 57 points) remain in the middle of the table, the promoted can thus move on quietly given that maintenance is already secured.

The ex-Parisians wore Provence Rugby

In a totally dominated start to the match, Provence Rugby managed to produce results thanks to a flash of genius from Léo Drouet. Placed at the back, the under-20 world champion, through a superb volley pass, replaced Lapègue. The winger, plunging into a corner, scored his 13th personal try (5-0, 9th).

Despite a first long-range error (19th), Moura, in one of the rare Drôme highlights, reduced the score with a penalty on the 22-meter line (5-3, 24th). By defending, VRDR ended up giving in again. On another first-hand launch, Inga Finau got the advantage line before making an offer in favor of Coville (12-3, 29.). Just before the break, 25 meters away, in front of the posts, Gopperth was deceived by the wind (12-3, 39.).

Caught in a melee, unable to provide his ammunition on the lineout, Drômois sank from the hour mark. Before that, in force, Suta had shown the way through the Aix specialty: the penalties played by hand five meters from the line (19. -3, 52.).

An offensive festival on the Aix side

Provence Rugby, uncompromising in defence, also benefited from a good contribution from the bench. In the middle of the field, Inga Finau continued to please her partners with an assist, after contact, for Bainivalu (26-3, 62.).

On a recovery ball, the New Zealand center played on the outside. Drouet navigated between two defenders before releasing Lapègue. The winger thus offered himself a double in the corner (31-3, 65.). Three minutes later, Lucas Martin imitated his partner from the training center with an attempt from a quickly played penalty (38-3, 68.).

And if Mosese Mawalu saved Checkers’ honor at the end of their only good act (38-8, 73rd), the last word went to Sione Tui (43-8, 78rd).

On May 10, Provence Rugby travel to the Basque Country to face Biarritz, recent winners of Agen in Armandie. At the same time, Valence-Romans will host Aurillac with the aim of grabbing places in the ranking.