The FCG hosted the Harlequins this Saturday at the Stade des Alpes for the second day of the Challenge Cup. The Grenoble team was given a special preparation for this match as several players, who were ill, had to forfeit before the match.
It was therefore a somewhat experimental Grenoble that appeared on its lawn at the Stade des Alpes. But it was the "Rouge & Bleu" who distinguished themselves first by recovering the ball after the kick-off and scoring a penalty (3-0, 3').
If the Harlequins controlled the ball, they struggled to find the breach in the Grenoble defence. But after a touch that was recovered by the FCG, Marcus Smith, the English usher, intercepted a pass from Grenoble to score under the posts (3-7, 8')
In the meantime, the FCG came back to a point with a new penalty from Corentin Glénat (6-7, 11'). The Londoners then camped in the FCG's half of the pitch, but the "Rouge & Bleu" were perfectly placed in defence and prevented their opponents from approaching the line. Grenoble even came back in front, with a new penalty from his young usher (9-7, 30'). He will still have an opportunity to widen the gap, but his kick, on the midline, will pass by on the siren.
The English were more effective at the start of the second half by scoring two entry penalties (9-13, 49'). Undisciplined, unlike what had happened in the first half, the Grenoblois struggled to get out of their camp, as the Harlequins were also perfect in the occupation game.
But the "Rouge & Bleu" are tough in defense. On one of these defensive sequences, Lolagi Visinia recovered the ball from his 22 and scored the first attempt of the FCG (16-13, 66'). Burton Francis then adds the addition (19-13, 69')
The last minutes are unbearable but, in a final contest between Morgan Vacchino and Taleta Tupuola, the FCG recovers a penalty and victory!
Auteur : FCG Rugby