FC Grenoble produced considered one of their finest performances of the season, brushing a star-studded Provence to achieve a real Pro D2 remaining, with Sam Davies executing an inventive masterclass.
Grenoble stepped into the Stade des Alpes with the correct focus, piling strain on Provence via their set-piece and kicking exit technique, and scored their first factors eight minutes into the match.
Davies struck an ideal conversion and would add a second one 10 minutes later.
George North and Teimana Harrison’s Provence had been unable to discover a manner out of the tactical and bodily lure arrange by the house aspect, and finally discovered themselves once more beneath the poles because of Gerswin Mouton’s first attempt of the night.
The visitors would get their first three points following a successful penalty attempt converted by Jimmy Gopperth, nevertheless it wasn’t sufficient to cease Grenoble, particularly when Davies pulled off a 40-metre drop objective.
Earlier than the half-time break, Grenoble scored their second attempt with Davies including the extras. The locals had a 20-point lead with solely 40 minutes left to play.
Whereas it was anticipated for Provence to combat again and discover a option to steadiness the rating, it ended up being the alternative, as Grenoble managed to cross the whitewash for a 3rd time. After a fast succession of phases, Davies punted a exact cross-kick for Mouton to collect and place the ball down within the nook.
On the fiftieth minute, Grenoble’s No.8 Richard Hardwick was pink carded after dumping Gopperth on his head. The guests claimed their first attempt instantly after, however Grenoble swiftly replied with scrum-half Barnabe Couillod evading tacklers to help Romain Trouilloud.
Simply earlier than the ultimate whistle, the house workforce added one other penalty conversion whereas Provence had been capable of seize a second comfort attempt, with the ultimate rating being38-17. Davies’ 18 factors had been key for the Alpine aspect’s success, having additionally assisted with two of the three tries scored by his workforce, in considered one of his finest performances since becoming a member of the aspect.
Grenoble will play their third consecutive Professional D2 remaining, having misplaced to Oyonnax and Vannes within the earlier seasons. Davies and Pierce Phillips will now await the conclusion of Courtney Lawes and Ross Moriarty’s CA Brive vs Montauban encounter to know who they are going to be taking part in within the championship remaining.
The 2024/2025 runners-up will nonetheless have a shot to earn promotion to the High 14, however they
might want to win towards the second-to-last workforce positioned within the High 14.
