A block to forget
The calendar offered FCG a particularly tough last winter block with 3 matches against Top 6 contenders (Perpignan and Biarritz at the Stade des Alpes in Oyonnax) and a trip to Montauban. What's more, this is a period which, for several seasons now, has not been favourable to the Grenoble inhabitants. The results did not belie this history, with only 6 points taken in these 4 games.
The "Rouge & Bleu" had however started well this block, with the strongest piece, with a victory against Perpignan. If it benefited from some favorable conditions for the Isèrois, it especially showed the collective solidarity of the team throughout the match. Unfortunately, this victory was followed by a 0-point defeat in Montauban. After a well-balanced first half, the Isèrois suffered a complete setback in the second half, conceding multiple penalties.
Back at the Stade des Alpes to take on Biarritz, the Grenoble players were unable to erase their indiscipline and lack of control from the previous weekend. They left the pitch with the two points from the draw, which could even have turned into a defeat at the very end of the match.
Last Thursday, the "Rouge & Bleu" had the opportunity to widen the gap with Oyonnax, direct competitors. If they took the match by the right end, leading quickly, the Isèrois then completely thwarted, seeing Oyonnaxians reciting their occupation strategy to perfection. FCG still managed to take the bonus point away from Oyonnax at the very end of the match, allowing them to stay ahead of the direct competition.
With 67 points, Grenoble are now 10 points behind Colomiers and 9 behind Perpignan, with Oyonnax tied on points. If they want to reach one of the top two places, the "Red & Blue" will undoubtedly have to complete a perfect final block. After a truce with two weekends, the Grenoble inhabitants will play 5 matches (Carcassonne, Vannes, Provence Rugby at home, Valence-Romans and Rouen away), then a last boulder that will see them receive Mont-de-Marsan, then travel to Colomiers, in a match that could be decisive for a Top 2.
After a complete week break, the Grenoble players will resume training on March 16th with a two-day training camp in Savoie, before returning to the Stade Lesdiguières on March 19th for a more classic workout.
Auteur : FCG Rugby