In a thrilling encounter at the Stade de Sapiac, CA Brive emerged victorious against US Montauban with a score of 21-17 on the evening of March 28, 2025. This match, part of the 24th round of the Pro D2 championship, was notable not only for its competitive spirit but also because it marked Brive's first win at Montauban in nearly 25 years, a significant achievement for the team.
The stakes were high as both teams are in contention for playoff spots, with Montauban sitting in 5th place and Brive in 3rd at the start of the match. The atmosphere was electric, with a full house at Sapiac, eager to support their home team. The match was a crucial test for both sides, especially after a three-week break that saw Montauban looking to maintain their momentum and Brive aiming to capitalize on their recent form.
Right from the kickoff, Montauban took the initiative. In the 7th minute, winger Sikhumbuzo Notshe broke through Brive's defense to score the first try of the match, putting Montauban ahead 5-0. The home crowd erupted, sensing a potential victory. However, Brive quickly responded. Just five minutes later, hooker Da Silva scored a try following a well-executed maul, leveling the score at 5-5.
The back-and-forth continued as Brive's fly-half, Bosch, converted a penalty in the 21st minute, giving his team an 8-5 lead. Montauban's Bosviel answered back with a penalty of his own in the 28th minute, equalizing the score at 8-8. The tension mounted as both teams pushed for dominance. Montauban regained the lead with another penalty from Bosviel in the 32nd minute, making it 11-8.
As the first half drew to a close, Bosviel added another three points with a long-range penalty, extending Montauban's lead to 14-8. The home team went into the break with a slight advantage, but the match was far from over.
The second half saw a shift in momentum. Brive came out strong and leveled the score again in the 50th minute when Da Silva scored his second try, bringing the score to 14-15. This change in the game was pivotal as Brive started to assert control. Bosch then added two penalties in the 63rd minute, pushing Brive ahead 21-14.
Despite the mounting pressure, Montauban refused to back down. In the 69th minute, Bosviel kicked another penalty to narrow the gap to 17-21, igniting hopes for a comeback among the home fans. However, time was against them as Brive's defense held firm, with the visitors managing to maintain their lead until the final whistle.
Brive's win not only boosts their standings but also serves as a reminder of their resilience, especially given their struggles in previous seasons. Coach Pierre-Henry Broncan expressed his pride in the team's performance, emphasizing their disciplined approach and ability to control the game in critical moments.
This victory places Brive in a strong position for the playoffs, particularly as they now sit alone in 2nd place in the Pro D2 standings, capitalizing on the heavy defeat of Provence Rugby to Valence-Romans (63-7) earlier in the day. As the season progresses, both teams will need to stay sharp, with Montauban looking to bounce back in their next match against Biarritz.
For Montauban, this loss is a setback in their quest for playoff qualification. Coach André Hough acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in capitalizing on scoring opportunities and maintaining discipline throughout the match. With their home record being solid this season, the team will need to regroup quickly to reclaim their position in the playoff race.
As the season heads into its final stretch, the competition is heating up, with teams vying for the coveted playoff spots. The battle for supremacy in the Pro D2 promises to deliver more thrilling encounters as teams like Montauban and Brive fight for their places in the next phase of the championship.
