708 days later, Bayonne remains undefeated in its Jean-Dauger lair (excluding European Cups and relocation). This Saturday, the Basques overthrew the championship leader, Racing 92 for the last of 2023 (27-23). Realistic in particular on the counterattack, Gaël Fickou’s teammates scored two tries through the inevitable Arundell (13th) and Le Garrec (38th). Trailing by 14 points, the Bayonnais found the resources to overthrow their opponent of the day thanks to tries from Cassiem, Acquier and Baget. Despite this setback, Racing 92 remains leader.
From the start of the match, the Basques were not afraid to play very offensively. Clumsy in the last gesture, the Rowing players put themselves in danger alone and offered too many balls to Racing to hope to stay in contact. Arundell showed his speed again by depositing everyone along the touchline before flattening Racing’s first try (13th). Trailing but not demoralized, the Bayonnais continued to play offensively without managing to achieve anything.
But opposite the leaders of the Top 14 were intractable. Solid defensively, the Racingmen twice prevented the Basques from flattening the ball and were quick to punish them at the back. Arundell, again, perfectly followed a little shot from Tedder along the line before serving Le Garrec who was going to flatten between the posts (38th). A frustrating first period for the Bayonnais.
Camille Lopez rekindled hope upon returning from the locker room. In a Jean Dauger stadium which was once again present behind its players, Tedder came to calm the enthusiasm of the locals by scoring a new penalty two minutes after that of Lopez (45th). The scenario was frustrating for the locals, too often penalized for blunders. But the magic of Christmas was very present to Jean Dauger.
On a touch, the Basques carried the ball to the in-goal for Thomas Acquier to flatten the hope’s try (20-23, 72nd). While they seemed to be at the end physically at the end of the match, on a last brilliant inspiration from Camille Lopez, Bayonne scored one last try just before the siren. Served perfectly on the wing by his number 10, Rémy Baget hit a little kick to follow, before giving everything he had left in this final sprint to flatten the leather between the posts (27-23). Lopez transformed to increase the score but the victory was already acquired for Bayonne still undefeated at Jean Dauger since 2022. Fickou’s men will be able to bite their fingers…