The aftermath of this result, achieved through enormous defense, sees Montpellier take the lead (57 points, compared to 55) over La Rochelle, with Paris close behind (54). Nothing insurmountable, even though the team didn’t maintain its positive momentum at Marcel-Deflandre, despite the return of most of its players. La Rochelle, on the other hand, catches up to Toulon with 45 points, trailing Bordeaux-Bègles by five points, who sit in 6th place before their clash against Toulouse, and six points behind Clermont, in 5th place. Based on the collective energy put into a formidable defense and the welcome returns of Will Skelton, Semi Lagivala, among others, and the debut of Andy Timo, there is still hope for a little miracle.
Les avants palois dominateurs
Nevertheless, the change in momentum is visible in the first half, even though La Rochelle leads at halftime (10-3). In a tight, low-key match where defenses control the game, the Section’s forwards, who have often been dominated by La Rochelle in recent years, are in control. With two stolen lineouts by Hugo Auradou (out of five lost by La Rochelle), two penalties in the scrum (including one for an opposition infringement, 3-3, 25th minute), forward ball carries making ground even if not very efficient, they deprive the opposition of ammunition.
> “Stade Rochelais has a very aggressive defense, reaping rewards on the ground after tackles.”
The Section, though, is also dangerous on entry group attacks, like the combination that led Quentin Lespiaucq, a former player, to score behind the goal line (10-3, 37th minute). The Rochelais, surprisingly, retrieve more balls in aerial duels, although not dominantly. They remain under threat, exemplified by a direct pass between Nathan Decron and Émilien Gailleton piercing the local defense (20th minute).
Despite few clear chances (one each side in the first half-hour, including a Stade Rochelais try denied for a foolish foul by Kane Douglas near the posts), the whistle blows frequently. Particularly memorable is the Marcel-Deflandre crowd’s reaction when, in the 34th minute, the visitors’ Argentine hooker, Julián Montoya, manages to overturn Will Skelton in a tackle. The Australian giant, on the field since the 28th minute in place of Douglas, is only playing his 6th club match but remains a favorite with the fans who applaud whenever he is on the field. The crowd clearly dislikes this move and the ensuing yellow card.
La Rochelle serre la défense
Three minutes later, Decron concedes a foul leading to a Rochelais try by playing the ball on the ground. The Section is down to 13 players, but again, their forwards manage to level the playing field in lineouts and scrums. As the second half begins, Théo Attissogbe wins the first aerial duel, and even though Skelton stops the threat, the home team is looking vulnerable.
New issues arise, with Ugo Pacome’s ankle injury in the 2nd minute followed by Reece Hewat’s injury in his 100th match for Pau, causing Gregory Alldritt to leave for a concussion protocol. Then Nolann Le Garrec’s head contact leaves his team with 14 players (45th minute). The Section holds firm, reacquiring Montoya, speed, and Decron. Antoine Hastoy’s long kick and Thomas Berjon give breathing room for Le Garrec to return.
However, the Béarnese forwards, losing Rémi Séneca to injury from a scrum won, continue to disrupt the maritime conquest without finding a breakthrough. The SR has a very aggressive defense, reaping rewards on the ground after tackles. But as La Rochelle continues to spoil their own ball and commit fouls, the suspense remains intact. Joe Simmonds, back in the 58th minute after a five-month absence, adds a little more (10-6, 65th minute).
It takes a spectacular play from Davit Niniashvili, saving a lineout before breaking through the green and white defense to provoke a foul, for Deflandre to release a sigh and be inspired (13-6, 68th minute). The talented Georgian is pivotal again in the 68th minute, stealing a lineout and setting up Jack Nowell for his 8th try of the season (20-6, 70th minute). The momentum is with the home team, seen in two consecutive scrum wins and the quest for a bonus point after the final whistle. A final attack flaw prevents them from getting it, but Deflandre is not bothered. He can sing again, having regained control of the ship.
