Grenoble hangs the victory on the buzzer. The "Rouge & Bleu" have never let go for their first away win since November
After the defeat conceded against Perpignan at the Stade des Alpes, the Grenoblois were forced to win in Vannes to stay in the Top 4.
The match starts badly for the Grenoblois. Vannes scored a first penalty, despite the dominance of visitors (3-0, 8 '). On a ball lost by the Grenoblois in the opposite side, and while Dylan Jacquot was treated, the Vannetais set up an express counter-attack to get the first try of the game (10-0, 13 ').
The "Rouge & Bleu" are struggling to put their game and play in the opposite camp. They nonetheless score a penalty by Burton Francis (10-3, 24 '). The Vannes players, on a new offensive in the Grenoble 22, get the expulsion of Latu Talakai. They take the points (13-3, 31 ').
Outnumbered, Grenoble will try to return to the opposite camp, but Burton Francis initially lacks a far away penalty, then the "Rouge & Bleu" are clumsy to match the 22 opponents.
The Grenoblois start much better the second half. They put a lot of rhythm in their game and manage to find the try zone after a superb play from the Grenoble backs: short side, Teiva Jacquelain puts a small chistera for Lolagi Visinia. The New Zealander then Bastien Guillemin up to go to score the first try Grenoble match (13-10, 51 '). Moments later, Burton Francis equalizes on a drop (13-13, 58 ')
At the hour of play, the Vannetais put their hand on the ball and mark in their turn, after a very long sequence in the Grenoble defense (20-13, 62 '). The Grenoblois do not panic. After a breakthrough by Ali Oz, Burton Francis reduces the score (20-16, 65 ')
During the last 15 minutes, Grenoble will camp in the opposite 22. Several penaltouches will be well defended by Vannetais. Latu Talakai even takes a red card after a second yellow card. But the "Rouge & Bleu" show an enormous character: they force Vannes to concede new penalties, the Bretons also finishing at 14. Endly, Loïc Godener arrives, with power, to score the second try of Grenoble (20-21 , 79 ').
The FCG found the victory that allows to stay in fourth place, digging a bit away with his pursuers (pending the Basque derby and the result of Biarritz). After a week-long vacation, the Grenoblois will return to the Stade des Alpes on Sunday 18 February at 2:15 pm for the reception of the leader Montauban.
Auteur : FCG Rugby