The second of the regular season won the Pro D2 final on Sunday.
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Bayonne is definitely the lift specialist. A year after its relegation, Rowing earned its way up to the Top 14 by beating Stade Montois (49-20) in the Pro D2 final in Montpellier on Sunday June 5. Yannick Bru’s players, who came second in the regular season, outclassed a hitherto untouchable leader, scoring six tries.
The Basques took control early, scoring two tries in the first act by Afa Amosa (8th) and Rémy Baget (28th). The boot of the experienced Gaëtan Germain then made the difference, until Maxime Delonca crossed the line (54th) after a collective effort on maul. Sireli Maqala scored twice (63rd, 69th), before Thomas Dolhagaray (76th) scored Bayonne’s last try.
The Montois believed in it, returning to seven points from their opponents on a try from Willie du Plessis (34th). On the siren, Pablo Dimcheff saved the honor (80th), before a transformation from … veteran pillar Carlos Muzzio (37), who will hang up at the end of the season. But that wasn’t enough, against a more experienced and better grounded team in these final stages.
All is not lost for the Landais, who will have a new opportunity to climb. To do this, they will have to beat the 13th in the Top 14, Perpignan or Brive, in the jump-off, on June 12.