FCG - Rouen: 21-15
In a context complicated by 3 weeks without a game, the "Rouge & Bleu" showed a lot of character to win against Rouen (21-15).
In a context complicated by 3 weeks without a game, the "Rouge & Bleu" showed a lot of character to win against Rouen (21-15).
A lot of absentees, no games for 3 weeks, 5 days without training, 2 weeks without collective training, players not at their posts: the FCG did not present itself with its most serene face this Friday evening.
The Grenoble players started the game well (3-0, 8'). After a setback for each of the two strikers, the Rouennais came back logically enough to score, thanks in particular to their domination in the scrum (3-3, 34'). The "Rouge & Bleu" had several times the opportunity to be dangerous in the meantime, but a touch not found here, a forward there, prevented the Isèrois from approaching the opponent's goal line.
It is finally on a carried ball, their real strength, throughout the game, that the Grenoble players will find the fault. First, by getting a penalty on this phase of the game, then, by simulating one, to allow Steeve Blanc-Mappaz to find Lilian Rossi on the closed side. The club-trained hooker scores, all in power (8-3, 38'). A last penalty, on the siren, allows the Normans to stay stuck to the score (8-6, 40').
The second period starts at a similar rhythm, with few flights and a lot of mistakes. If the game was balanced, it is on the ground that the Grenoble players are this time more penalized. They are stuck in their camp and can't really take the game to their own account, even if Karim Qadiri thought he had scored Grenoble players' second try of the game at the beginning of the second half. But Ange Capuozzo's pass to the former Beaune winger was slightly forward.
The Rouennais pass in front of the score and even dig a small gap (11-15, 67'). On a first penalty obtained by the Grenoble players pack, Jonathan Bousquet reduces the score fairly quickly (14-15, 71'), but the hardest part is still to come. Rouen is even close to putting an end to Grenoble players' hopes with an interception. But the saving return of Ange Capuozzo, well helped afterwards by his teammates, saves the FCG players. The "Rouge & Bleu" get a penalty that brings them back to the opposing camp. After the touchdown, the Isèrois multiply the game time, before Benito Masilevu knocks to follow for himself and marks his fifth try of the season (21-15, 79').
The "Rouge & Bleu" have one last possession but prefer to ensure victory, rather than attempt the offensive bonus. This victory, the second in a row after the one they won at the end of October against Mont-de-Marsan, keeps the Grenoble players within touching distance of the Top 6, even though Biarritz and Colomiers still have a lot of games to play.
Next week, the FCG will attempt a 3-3 draw in Carcassonne with a squad that should have recovered a few elements.
FCG - Rouen : 21-15
Tries: Lilian Rossi, Benito Masilevu
Penalties and Transformation: Jonathan Bousquet
Auteur : FCG Rugby