Top 14 escape artists Perpignan live to fight another day

For the fifth time in a row, USA Perpignan have managed to avoid relegation in the barrage play-off, having clinched their place in next year’s Top 14 after a 47-24 win over Provence at Stade Maurice-David.

Under a blazing hot sun and a tense but colourful atmosphere, both sides went chasing for a way to get into the driver’s seat, but neither was able to find a way to score points in the first quarter.

However, Perpignan ended up down to 14 players after prop Giorgi Tetrashvili was sent to the sin-bin for a high tackle, giving the home side a slight advantage that they capitalised on a few minutes later.

Following a cunning lineout play, No.8 Tornike Jalagonia found a way into the opposition’s try area and scored Provence’s first points of the game.

With Perpignan conceding several penalties, the locals managed to bag a second finish, this time around from lock and captain Andrès Zafra Tarazona. Manuel Vareiro was unable to convert either conversion.

When it seemed their woes were about to worsen, after hooker Sam Malolo was shown an orange card, Perpignan managed to mount a successful comeback with a quick-fire, two-try salvo, scored by Peceli Yato and winger Theo Forner.

As the momentum shifted, the home side was also temporarily reduced to 14 players when Zafra Tarazona was sent to the sin-bin. Tommaso Allan banked the four additional points to secure a four-point lead at half-time.

Although Philippe Saint-André tried to rekindle Provence’s belief that a win was still on the cards, USAP were simply lethal in the final half, adding 14 more points in under 10 minutes. Pumas back-rower Joaquin Oviedo struck first, with Yato following next to earn a brace.

To make matters worse for Les Noirs, centre Setareki Bituniyata was shown a yellow card. Although Provence scored a third try through Léo Drouet, Perpignan responded in kind, with Ignacio Ruiz crossing the line to register his side’s fifth try.

For the remainder of the game, Setareki Bituniyata added a fourth try for Provence while Oviedo and Jerónimo de la Fuente wrapped up Perpignan’s win with a finish each.

After a disappointing season, USA Perpignan have at least managed to keep the flag flying for Catalonia in the Top 14.

As for Provence, they will have to wait another 12 months to find out if they have what it takes to reach the top flight of the French club game.