Anthony Bouthier, former player of the French national team, scored a crucial penalty in the 80th minute, leading Vannes to their first victory of the current season in the Top 14 league in France. This valuable win helped Vannes defeat Clermont 27-26 in Saturday's match.
Comeback and Victory
Vannes fell behind by 17 points in this match, which was played under windy conditions and a yellow weather warning, and began their efforts to catch up in the last 25 minutes. During these moments, Samoa's halfback, Mills Sanerivi, and Georgian player, Ivan Iashagashvili, managed to score for Vannes, creating space for Bouthier. Bouthier said, "Six consecutive losses are tough, and in such situations, doubt arises. Our real story in the Top 14 league starts today."
Read more: Philadelphia 76ers surprised Cleveland Cavaliers with a stunning comeback from 29 points down
League Status and Competitions
Despite this victory, Vannes remains at the bottom of the standings, standing six points behind Racing 92, who are in the relegation playoff zone. In the first half of the game, Clermont led with a score of 16-6 thanks to a try from Baptiste Juno, the scrum half, and points from Harry Plummer, the former New Zealand player. Plummer, who is currently the league's top scorer, registered 16 points in this match.
Later, Giorgi Dzamashvili, Clermont's forward, extended the score to 23-6 in the second half. Clermont currently sits in twelfth place in the standings with two victories this season. In other matches this week, champions Toulouse took a 38-33 victory over Perpignan, gaining six points over their rivals. Additionally, Fiji winger Jiota Vuniqolo contributed to Lyon's 31-27 win against Bayonne with his sixth try.
Racing, who have struggled this season, faced Montpellier at home and lost 20-17. Also, Castres defeated Stade Français 16-8. In other matches, second-placed Pau missed the chance to close in on Toulouse, losing 41-20 against Toulon. Melon Justin, former France player, scored 26 points for Toulon in this game, including his first hat-trick in his professional career.
Two players from the French national team also suffered injuries in these competitions. Fabian Bouhraou-Bourie, center for Pau, injured his knee, and Charles Ollivon, Toulon's forward, injured his wrist, adding to the list of absentees for coach Fabian Galthié. On Sunday, third-placed Bordeaux-Begles will face La Rochelle.
