Match Stakes: Extend the virtuous series
Before the three-week break, FC Grenoble won three consecutive matches; the last two were hard-fought, against Nevers (27-26) and Soyaux/Angoulême (24-20). A unique series this season, allowing the Isérois to almost definitively leave the second half of the table behind and look ahead. But their current 9th place does not suit them. If they want to get closer to the top 6, ten points away, they need to win again against Dax. It would be the third away win (after Oyonnax and Nevers) and the fourth in a row. Challenge accepted! Only Brive (8-23) and Vannes (15-16) have won at the Maurice-Boyau stadium this season.
The Opponent: A deceiving relegation candidate
If the championship ended today, US Dax would play the Pro D2 Access Match (against the unlucky finalist of Nationale), in order not to drop down a floor. This outcome is not guaranteed as the Landais are only five points ahead of 11th place and the bottom of the table is very close. And above all, an (sporting) injustice as the Dacquois club was deducted fourteen points (decisions from the Rugby Regulatory Authority and the FFR appeal commission) due to administrative failures.
But USD is not resigned, far from it, and still holds its fate in its own cleats. “I think we have responded well this season,” confided manager Vincent Etcheto this week. “It’s true that the last match, against Oyonnax (16-52), was disappointing. But we also knew it was a long, painful journey, and we had our sights set on this next important block. We are putting everything on that, and of course the first match will be crucial. It falls on Grenoble.”
Player to Watch: Josée Madeira
The last time José Madeira played with FCG, it was a memorable moment (victory against Nevers, beyond the siren). The last time José Madeira played rugby, it was with the Portuguese national team, in Madrid in the final of the Rugby Europe Championship (Tournament B), for a historic victory against Georgia (19-17). The Portuguese captain, after a well-deserved week off, returns in Red and Blue, in a second row of good caliber (with Cameron Holt). His defensive work rate and lineout expertise will be valuable at the Maurice-Boyau stadium to counter the Landais fever.
Additional Info: Adapted Travel
Having departed by train on Thursday morning to reach the thermal town of the Landes, the Grenoble delegation will return to Isère by air on Saturday. Indeed, their 25th round match has been moved up to Thursday evening (April 2, against VRDR). Recovery will be crucial.
The Statement
“The players are aware that we are not going to the 15th. I wouldn’t need to remind them: they have experienced this situation when they had twelve points deducted, and they pulled together. They know that a team that pulls together like that is capable of great things. Dax will face a tough team, as Grenoble is a tough team, and they will be ready.” – From Jeff Dubois, head coach of FC Grenoble and former manager of US Dax.
The Dax – Grenoble match can be followed live on www.ledauphine.com/sport on Friday from 7 p.m.
Direct Confrontations: FCG in the lead against Dax
In sixteen confrontations since 2006 between the two clubs, Grenoble leads against Dax (10 wins to 6). The Isérois have even won three times in the Landes: 23-13 in 2010, 28-13 in 2017, and 29-18 in 2025, last season. However, do these stats make FCG the favorite for this duel? To be seen on the field.
