Grenoble get a bonus point in Paris (23-20)
The FCG travelled to Paris for the last day of the first leg matches to be played against the Stade Français.
Without Taï Tuifu'a, who was out on Friday, and Steven Setephano, who was out before kick-off, the Grenoble team started the match perfectly with a first try scored by Lilian Saseras (0-7, 6'). The "Rouge & Bleu" dominate the start of the game. Matthieu Ugalde intercepted the ball but was caught a few metres away from the try line. But the FCG will score a second time. Perfectly served by Fabien Alexandre, Etienne Fourcade lies down in the Parisian try zone (0-14, 17'). After a clearance by Nicolas Sanchez deflected by Etienne Fourcade, the FCG returned to the 22 opponents and obtained a penalty (0-17, 21')
The hosts then woke up and quickly scored a penalty, then a try by Lester Etien (10-17, 32'), taking advantage of the Grenoble indiscipline. An indiscipline that will offer 3 points to the Parisian opener after the siren (13-17, 40')
The Parisians started very strong in the second half by getting a penalty attempt (20-17, 45'), then by taking the Grenoble team out of the defensive bonus (23-17, 54'). But the Grenoble team then regained control of the match. Gaëtan Germain will first score a penalty (23-20, 65'), before the "Rouge & Bleu" try to get at least a draw. Nicolas Sanchez first has a first opportunity to widen the gap, but it will be missed. A few moments later, Gaëtan Germain missed the equaliser on a similar penalty, from the 40-metre corner.
The FCG concedes the defeat at the Stade Jean Bouin, but recovers a point that allows them to move away from Agen (3 points gap) and pass in front of Pau (before the Palois game in Montpellier on Sunday)
The "Rouge & Bleu" will be back at the Stade des Alpes next Saturday, with the reception of the French champion castrais.
Auteur : FCG Rugby