Rugby Union: RC Nîmes attacks Rumilly… and the top 4

Le talonneur Larré-Larouy et le RCN sont déterminés à réussir un coup à Rumilly.. Midi Libre – Mikaël Anisset

Away to Haute-Savoie, Sunday February 2, for the 17th day of National 2, Nîmes wants to gain height…

The only time that the Nîmes have been in the top 4 was at the end of September, after their big victory against Mâcon (39-9). They also flirted with this place in mid-October following their success against… Rumilly (29-14), their opponent of the day.

The 17th day and the ranking of group 1 of National 2

Since then, Guillaume Aguilar's men have been hovering between 5th and 7th. Between a play-off place outside for the final stages and… nothing at all at the end of the season.

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Guillaume Aguilar: “Do like Kaufmann”

By traveling to Haute-Savoie on Sunday February 2, captain Vialle's teammates have the possibility of re-entering the top 4, synonymous with a home play-off. Especially since Servette Geneva is on a forced rest following Dijon's general forfeit.

“This was already the case during our trip to Mâcon (23-15 defeat, Editor's note), recalls the Nîmes coach. Even a defensive bonus would be enough. But I don't go into a match thinking that I'm going to lose it. The goal is for the players to realize the importance of this match for the future. We have to act as if we were at Kaufmann.”

However, it is never easy to win at the Stade des Grangettes. Especially since with three defeats in a row, Rumilly is in a bad way. “This team is in a tough spot and we know what that can do to them. We are going to face an aggressive team, who are going to play for their survival. This match will be similar to the one in Mâcon in adversity. It is up to us not to reproduce the same performance as in Burgundy, warns the RCN manager. Rumilly has relied, for years, on a big conquest with an effective lineout, formidable mauls and a powerful scrum. We must make them doubt from the start so that they get tangled up. The fight will be crucial, it is up to us to make sure we win it.”

The RCN has called on its old players old hands

For the occasion, the Nîmes coach called on some old hands, renowned for their warrior temperament. Like Gonzalez, Darmon, Marra, Gulizzi and, again, Pichard. With Gensana and Chastaing in the hinge, the RCN seems ready to respond to the trench warfare that is coming on a pitch that risks being in a pitiful state.

Away, it will be up to the Nîmes team to shift into gear, the one seen against Aubenas and the Stade Métropolitain, where the RCN had rather dominated its subject. Essential to reintegrate the top 4.

Nîmes (5th, 51 pts) plays at Rumilly (10th, 38 pts) this Sunday, February 2 at 3:15 p.m.