Brive Triumphs Over Montauban In Thrilling 21-17 Match

In a thrilling encounter that showcased resilience and determination, CA Brive edged past US Montauban with a narrow 21-17 victory on March 28, 2025, during the 24th round of Pro D2 rugby. The match, held at the Sapiac Stadium in Montauban, was critical for both teams as they vie for a spot in the playoffs, and Brive's win solidified their position in the standings.

Brive faced a challenging start, trailing 14-8 at halftime after losing key players to injury and penalties. Ross Moriarty was sidelined due to injury, while Marcel Van der Merwe received a yellow card, putting Brive in a precarious position. However, the team displayed remarkable grit, refusing to succumb to pressure.

Just five minutes into the second half, Brive turned the tide when Lucas Da Silva scored his 12th try of the season, bringing the score to 13-14. This pivotal moment was crucial, as it shifted the momentum in favor of Brive. The reliable kicking of Bosch then added crucial points, allowing Brive to take a 21-14 lead.

Despite late-game pressure from Montauban, who were desperately seeking a comeback, Brive's defense held strong. Courtney Lawes also found himself in the sin bin after receiving a yellow card, but even with a man down, Brive's defensive line proved impenetrable. In a dramatic finale, they managed to steal a lineout, preserving their lead and securing the victory.

With this win, CA Brive climbed to second place in the Pro D2 standings, now sitting at 71 points, just eight points behind the league leaders, Grenoble, who suffered a surprising defeat to Agen that same evening. The race for playoff positions is heating up, with Brive firmly in contention.

In another notable match, Valence-Romans delivered a stunning performance, defeating Provence Rugby 63-7, further complicating the playoff picture. The results from the 24th round of Pro D2 also saw Soyaux-Angoulême triumph over Mont-de-Marsan 23-17, while Colomiers dominated Oyonnax 62-12, and Aurillac edged Biarritz 34-31.

Off the field, the match attracted significant attention due to the presence of former French President François Hollande, who attended to support Brive. Hollande, now a deputy for Corrèze, was welcomed by local officials and friends, including Jean-Michel Baylet and Valérie Rabault. He expressed his enthusiasm for the match, stating, "I hope for a draw, but that rarely happens in rugby." His attendance added a layer of intrigue to the already intense atmosphere of the game.

As Brive prepares for their next challenge against Valence-Romans, who recently pulled off an impressive victory, the team will look to build on this momentum. The upcoming match promises to be another test of their resolve as they continue their pursuit of promotion to the Top 14.

Brive's victory over Montauban not only highlights their competitive spirit but also sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Pro D2 season. With several matches left to play, the battle for playoff positions is far from over, and Brive is determined to make their mark.