For the 18th day of Pro D2, the FCG hosted Béziers at the Stade des Alpes. It was a duel of the soft underbelly: the FCG, 11th, received the ABSH 10th. The Isèrois, after 2 successes in 3 matches, were still looking for landmarks against a Biterrois team in search of confidence. We could have expected a "small arm" duel between two struggling teams but it was not to be.
From the very beginning of the matches, both teams sent some play: the FCG, with the will to dominate the minds from the beginning, faced a rough Béziers team willing to be tough in all the phases of the game: in the rucks, in the touchline, to push the Isèrois to the sidelines. However, in the 10th minute, Ange Capuozzo scored this splendid 50m try to allow his team to lead 10-0 after transformation (Enzo Selponi had scored a penalty in the 7th minute).
At half-time, the FCG had never really been worried (despite having less possession than the ASBH), proud of their defence but slightly apathetic in attack. Good defenders and realistic, Grenoble leads 16-6 at half-time.
After the break, Ange Capuozzo doubled the lead (43), followed by Steeve Blanc-Mappaz (63). At this point and after two decisive balls from Timoci Nagusa (who was enterprising and dangerous throughout the match) which helped to score both tries, FCG held on to their first win of the season. It was without counting Rawaka (68th) who reduced the gap for Béziers and deprived - temporarily - FCG of bonuses. During the last 20 minutes, FCG was dangerous but too feverish to go for this precious 4th try. It was without counting a last possession in the 82nd minute with a touch in the centre of the pitch, a clever play launch and Romain Trouilloud scored his first pro try to offer the bonus to FCG.
End of the game 34 to 19.
Thanks to this victory, Grenoble moves up to 9th place with 35 points and puts the rear of the championship a little bit further behind to maybe finally be able to look a little bit ahead.
Auteur : FCG Rugby