The Union Sportive Arlequins Perpignan (USAP) faced off against Stade Rochelais on December 29, 2024, at the Aimé Giral Stadium, with significant stakes for both teams as they battled it out on the rugby pitch. Coming off three consecutive defeats, USAP was under immense pressure to deliver a win during this Top 14 encounter, and they approached the match with determination, knowing the realities of their precarious position at the bottom of the standings.
The atmosphere was charged as fans filled the stadium to witness what was deemed a must-win game for the Catalans. "Les Catalans ont un grand besoin de victoire," reported by L'Indépendant. At the commencement of the match, USAP, having managed only four victories this season, found themselves seeking to avoid relegation, making every point earned from this point forward exponentially valuable.
La Rochelle, on the other hand, arrived with ambitions of their own. Despite having won only two out of their last five matches, the away team was firmly focused on climbing up the rankings and vying for one of the coveted top six playoff spots. This dynamic laid the groundwork for what was anticipated as an intense and hard-fought battle.
Leading up to kick-off, USAP coach Azéma opted for minimal alterations to the starting XV, with only one player swap: the return of Tristan Labouteley to the second row. Such consistency aimed to build synergy and confidence among the players as they faced formidable opponents. Conversely, La Rochelle made nine changes to their lineup, reflecting their need to reassess and strengthen following recent performances.
The match commenced at 18:00, with both teams showcasing their intent from the get-go. USAP quickly set up offence, and the early exchanges saw them trying to assert their dominance on their home turf. The initial moments unfolded with La Rochelle’s players, including star fly-half Antoine Hastoy, managing the game pace with strategic kicks and attempts to penetrate USAP's defence.
By the 8th minute, Hastoy opened the scoring with a successful penalty kick, giving La Rochelle the early lead. “Gagner est une obligation pour espérer finir l'année hors de la zone rouge,” one commentator noted, highlighting the necessity for USAP to respond. Their momentum began to shift, and just moments later, the Catalans secured their first try, what would be known as momentous for their confidence, as Tavite Veredamu crossed the line after a series of well-executed phases, making it 5-3.
Despite some setbacks, such as Allan's missed conversion, USAP held on tightly, exhibiting bursts of offensive prowess. Penalty opportunities were being converted, especially notable was Tommaso Allan's efforts as he successfully added three more points through penalties, nudging the scoreboard higher. By the 23-minute mark, USAP led 11-6.
Yet, La Rochelle was not out of the fight. They responded emphatically with sustained pressure, resulting in another penalty led by Hastoy, followed by strong defensive work to regain the ball. "Les Rochelais sont encore pénalisés pour leur contest au sol," indicated L'Indépendant, creating frustration as penalties began to mount for the visitors. M. Blasco-Baqué, the match referee, was forced to intervene frequently to maintain order as tensions rose on the field.
Both sides exchanged physical play, with hard hits echoing throughout the stadium, representing the high stakes of this end-of-year throwdown. The first half saw La Rochelle striving to regain their footing, yet facing burnout against USAP’s defensive resilience. Each possession turned pivotal, depending on tackling accuracy and turnover percentages.
USAP’s passion burned steadily as they pushed through several moments where their play was not translating to points, stressing the urgency behind every inch gained on the field. The shift at halftime brought with it strategic reassessments, and both coaches rallied their players with potent motivations echoing promises of future glory.
Entering the second half, the energy amplified with every minute passing on the clock, as fans cheered their favourites on. Throughout the half, La Rochelle’s persistent threats honed skills, but the Catalans remained resolute, defending their advantage. Both teams exchanged scoring opportunities, with USAP remaining poised, determined not to let slip their chance for redemption.
Eventually, the match concluded with USAP retaining their slim lead. The final score, marked 11-6, underscored the collective effort and desperation from USAP to save their season. "Finir 2024 comme il se doit, avec un succès précieux," one broadcaster emphasized, capturing the essence of the moment—USAP achieved their necessary victory, lifting spirits as they headed toward the new year.
The victory marked more than just points added to the table; it reignited hopes for USAP, serving as momentum for the second half of their campaign. For La Rochelle, the loss served as a grim reminder of the challenges they now faced as they strived to maintain their playoff aspirations moving forward.