FCG beaten by Lyon in Bourgoin (42-19)
After 4 weeks of intensive preparation, the "Rouge & Bleu" were able to try on their new outfit on the pitch of the Pierre Rajon stadium for a first preparation match against the LOU, semi-finalists of the previous edition of the Top 14.
For this game, played in three thirds of 30 minutes, it was not a question of winking at the Bruleurs de Loups, winners of the Magnus League a few weeks ago, but rather to allow the two staffs, and in particular the FCG staff, to give time to all the players in a very large group.
Thus, while the second row post was a little overdue due to the absences of Andrei Ostrikov, Leva Fifita and Pierre Gayraud, most of the other posts saw 3 to 4 players alternate. For instance, four players shared the hooker position (Etienne Fourcade, Laurent Bouchet, Lilian Rossi and Mathis Sarragallet)
The first third went to the advantage of the Grenoble group. After a long domination in the 22 opponents, Enzo Selponi was able to move Bastien Guillemin, who ran under the posts to score the first try of the match (0-7, 9'). In the next opporutnity, the Lyon side got a penalty on the 40 of Grenoble, went into the sidelines and equalised after a drive ball (7-7, 11'). Still dominating, and by confiscating the ball, the "Rouge & Bleu" created a new opportunity: Enzo Selponi found the interval and sent Alaska Taufa into the try-zone, despite the return of the opposing defender (7-12, 27').
On the other hand, the second third is dominated by the Lyon team, who will register 4 tries in 30 minutes, taking advantage of a certain Grenoble defensive febrility (indiscipline, wait-and-see attitude). Without the ball, the Isèrois had never have been able to worry their opponents on this third time 35-12).
For the last 30 minutes, Lyon remained in control of the ball, but only managed to score a try on a drive ball (42-12, 65'). Finally, it was the Grenoble team that scored the final points of the match, with a drive ball endend by Dylan Jacquot and converted by Franck Pourteau (42-19, 88')
The FCG will play a second preparation match on Saturday 10 August in Morez, Jura, against Oyonnax, an opponent who should look more like what the Grenoble team will face in this Pro D2 championship.
The XV of the first third: Rey, Fourcade, Montagne - Capelli, Demotte - Martel, Alexandre, Fourie - Valençot, Selponi - Rhule, Taufa, Fusier, Guillemin B. - Trotta
The XV of the second third: Van Rensburg, Bouchet, Gvaladze - Capelli, Demotte - Martel, Alexandre, Bonnin - Saseras, Glenat - Guillemin B., Fusier, Rasolea, Rhule - Germain
The XV of the last third: Jacquot, Rossi, Kubriashvili - Rousset, Setephano - Ancely, Blanc-Mappaz, Tuinukuafe - Zupan, Pourteau - Dupont, Tupuola, Uberti, Guillemin F. - Capuozzo
Auteur : FCG Rugby