Rouen is not dead!
At the bottom of the table, two surprises were noted on Friday evening. First, the victory of Rouen, future opponent of the SUA, in Vannes. Then Grenoble’s home defeat against Provence Rugby.
“We knew there would be surprises!” At the announcement of the result from Rouen to Vannes, Bernard Goutta was not so surprised. He had, in fact, previously praised the quality of Rouen and Bourg-en-Bresse, main opponents of the SUA for maintenance.
But from there to see the Normans take a hit in Brittany… Struggling since the tragic loss of their worker Michallet, Rouen carried out an excellent operation in Vannes. Because at the same time, despite heroic resistance in dantesque conditions, Bourg-en-Bresse returned from the Ain derby without a point. Godignon’s troops are now four points ahead of those of Estebanez.
It should be kept that the Agenais will watch the Norman performance on Friday evening with attention. Their coming to Armandie at the end of the week is indeed of capital importance. This time, the SUA will have no room for error. Especially since a success, combined with a probable defeat of Bourg in Bayonne, should almost ensure maintenance. Agen would then be thirteen points ahead of 15th place.
Friday evening, Goutta’s men will have to be much more precise and sharp than at Sapiac to avoid a trap match and reshuffle the cards for maintenance.
Because the Normans, first not relegated, now only point to five points. But, reassuringly, Grenoble is not better off. Defeated at home by Provence Rugby, the Isérois are still in doubt this season before receiving Montauban.
This 25th day, in the end, increases the pressure around the match on Friday evening in Armandie. It can both save the SUA and plunge it into doubt.