Bayonne (AFP)

Pau, poorly rewarded at the break, found the resources to snatch a precious success in the race to maintain Bayonne (23-22) on Saturday night, in a late match of the 13th day of Top 14.

This Section has character.

Dominating in the first period but not paid, she relied on her scrum, her strong point this season, to gain the upper hand over her neighbor from Bayonne, back to competition after a month of stoppage due to Covid-19.

Pau, lacking results at the Hameau, pocketed a second success away from home after that obtained on the inaugural day in Montpellier which allowed him to breathe a little better and to lead the Hérault by six points in the standings.

For its part, Rowing hung in this derby, not the most side of the region, had the chance to turn in the lead at the break (19-16) against the course of the game but did not know go the distance.

With two more games to go and three points behind his winner of the day, nothing is lost for Yannick Bru's men, as long as the rest is managed well.

This Saturday, the Palois, worn by an Antoine Hastoy gala, wanted more.

More incisive, more enterprising with waves that have wreaked havoc, especially during an almost one-sided first act where they lacked only a little realism.

If Clovis Le Bail did indeed reward the work of his scrum by scoring a first hand try (19), Julien Fumat (23) and Lekima Tagitagivalu (39) were refused two tries well brought for passages in touch after yet have each crossed the line.

Conversely, it only took a full-axis session for the Basques to send their captain Jean Monribot under the poles after the siren of the break, Gaëtan Germain ensuring for his part a flawless footing to punish indiscipline visitor.

On its momentum, Bayonne recovered better - penalty from Gaëtan Germain - but gave in to the power of the Béarn pack.

By chaining the winning scrums, the big ones put Watisno Votu in orbit for the trial of the issue (63, 22-23).

Because behind, Bayonne lacked rhythm and fuel to return to the front, facing a defensively solid Section which did not give in.

© 2021 AFP