
Pro D2 – Despite an end to the match in favor of the Vannes leader, the Grenoblois offered themselves another victory in their Alps stadium (15-12). The Isérois were first able to capitalize on the indiscipline of their opponents and then resist with character after the division bosses woke up. On the string. Grenoble has a third success in a row while Vannes concedes its second setback this season. Defeat, however, comes with a defensive bonus point.
At the end of a big last positive defensive sequence, the Grenoblois forced the Vannetais into their half of the field, recovered the ball and thus managed to preserve their 15-12 success. This is a precious victory for the Isère residents, won at the opening of the 12th day of the championship, during which FC Grenoble challenged leader Vannes.
Grenoble pushes Vannes to a mistake
In the rain, we had to adapt to the conditions to be as realistic as possible. Obviously, in this context, a minimalist but effective game plan was rather recommended. In the first act, despite the early exit due to concussion of his opener Sam Davies (11e), Grenoble wins the battle of occupation. The Isérois are solid in conquest, they capitalize with the foot of Davies (7th) then Trouilloud (18th, 27th). Above all, they feed greedily on the numerous faults of the people of Vannes. Six penalties and a yellow card (Pedemonte) conceded after 26 minutes. And even nine mistakes in the first act. The Grenoblois therefore escaped and logically led 9-0 at the break. All the more logical as the Vannes players let a few scoring opportunities slip away. With a penalty taken on a dead ball while looking for a touch. Then on a throw-in 5 meters from the Isère goal, pilfered by Steeve Blanc-Mappaz and the Grenoble line-up just before the siren.
Vannes wakes up after the hour
The Morbihannais are, however, sure of their strength. In the second act, they insisted and went into touch after a penalty to try to get back on track by scoring tries. They miss another opportunity by misplacing a fourth throw into touch (50th) but still don’t panic. Even when Romain Trouilloud further increases Grenoble’s lead on a penalty (12-0, 54th). The contribution of the Vannes bench is also bearing fruit. The Blanchard, Marks or Boulier are impactful. The visitors occupy the opposing camp more, hold the ball better to impose sequences on the Grenoble defense. This ended up giving way following a long sequence from Vannes. For a corner try from Juan Bautista Pedemonte, shifted by Alex Arrate (12-5, 59th). Grenoble has the energy necessary to obtain a new penalty which gives it a little extra lead (65th). But the Vannes leader imposes his law on this end of the game. New choice to go into touch, penetrating group from which Cyril Blanchard extracts… and penalty try in favor of Vannes for an Isère fault (67th). Double sanction in addition for the Grenoblois on this action, the 7 points conceded and a yellow card to Irakli Aptsiauri for almost the entire end of the match (15-12).
Grenoble, victory for character
Over the last ten minutes, the Grenoblois defended with character and showed that they did not want to lose the invincibility of their Stade des Alpes. The leader insists but is finally turned away. There will be no fifth away victory this Thursday evening for the Vannetais. The Grenoblois preserve their victory 15-12, the Bretons leave with a defensive bonus. On the next day, Vannes will host Provence Rugby in a huge top-of-the-table shock. Grenoble will travel to Rouen. And will try to extend his current winning streak a little further.