The match between the LOU Rugby and RC Vannes on Saturday, March 22, turned out to be a pivotal event in the Top 14 rugby league, with LOU securing a 36-21 victory over Vannes at the Matmut Stadium de Gerland.
Under sunny conditions, the game commenced at 16:30, but LOU faced unexpected challenges before ultimately triumphing. Vannes entered the match at the bottom of the league standings, struggling with their form. Their coach, Jean-Noël Spitzer, was missing due to a two-match suspension related to comments made about arbitration after a previous game against Union Bordeaux Bègles (UBB).
Spitzer, who has faced disciplinary issues earlier this season, was a notable absence for Vannes. He was sidelined after having been suspended for inappropriate behavior during a doping control the previous year. The 18th of March saw him condemned for further comments on arbitration issues. Despite this setback, Vannes aimed to capitalize on their previous encounter against LOU, where they secured their historic first victory in Top 14.
On the opposing side, LOU Rugby had its share of motivations, including the return of key players who had participated in the Six Nations tournament. Mickaël Guillard was a significant addition after his success with the French national team. Karim Ghezal, the head coach, emphasized the need for a solid performance, underscoring the team’s previous victories that had placed them in contention for a top-six finish in the league.
The match began with a swift opening, with Rattez scoring for LOU only 49 seconds into the game. This early lead by LOU created a tense atmosphere. However, Vannes responded positively with tries from Moukoro at the 9th and 23rd minutes, briefly putting the visitors ahead.
The back-and-forth nature of the game continued with LOU's Lambey leveling the score at 19-14 just before halftime, taking the lead after a strong performance by his team. The halftime score reflected the competitive spirit of both squads.
As the second half unfolded, LOU maintained their intensity, with Chat scoring twice, once in the 63rd minute and again in the 79th. Despite their struggles, Vannes showed resilience, with Boudehent able to score a try as well, narrowing their deficit.
Despite their best efforts, Vannes couldn’t convert enough of their opportunities into points. Their defense faltered at key moments, and the prowess of LOU's attacking backs became apparent as they steadily built their lead. The final score saw LOU finish with 36 points.
The match statistics highlighted the struggles of Vannes, who are now solidly planted at the foot of the Top 14 table. This defeat places added pressure on them as they seek to avoid relegation. Ghezal noted, “It was essential for us to control the game, especially in the second half,” reflecting on LOU’s performance.
The outcome of the match was a bitter pill for Vannes, who had aspirations of climbing the league table. Their next fixture will be crucial as they hope to find stability in their performance as they prepare for their upcoming match against Perpignan.
In conclusion, Saturday's match illustrated the contrasts between a team fighting to revive its season and one that is seeking to solidify its place amidst the elite in French rugby. "The LOU will continue to strive for excellence as we head toward the end of the season," stated Ghezal as he looked forward to maintaining momentum.
