FORMER MUNSTER NO.8 James Coughlan‘s ball-carrying strength helped Pau to an impressive 41-3 win over Aurillac in the Pro D2 yesterday.
That statement of a performance leaves the Simon Mannix-coached club on top of France’s second-tier league after the two opening rounds, with Coughlan also having started the 14-12 win away to Massy last weekend.
Former Ulster and London Irish wing Conor Gaston played all 80 minutes of yesterday’s encounter on the left wing for Aurillac, who are coached by ex-Ireland lock Jeremy Davidson.
Eddie O’Sullivan‘s Biarritz missed out on the chance to move into the upper echelons of the table as they were beaten 34-16 away to Albi today. Last weekend saw the Basques open their campaign with an encouraging 16-15 victory against Aurillac.
On Friday night, ex-Munster hooker Denis Fogarty started for Agen, but was powerless to prevent a damaging 36-33 home defeat to Bourgoin. That disappointment follows an opening round loss to Béziers, leaving Agen down in 13th position.
Fijian wing Rupeni Caucaunibuca has been used off the bench by Agen in both of their Pro D2 fixtures so far this season, but has not managed to cross the whitewash for a try yet.
Missing from the victorious Bourgoin team against Agen was Irish second row Dave Nolan, who joined from Connacht during the summer and started last weekend’s defeat to Albi.
This afternoon, former Leinster and Munster man Eoghan Hickey wore the 15 shirt for Massy, kicking three conversions in a 42-21 loss away to Perpignan, who were relegated from the Top 14 last season.
Hickey slotted four penalties in last weekend’s narrow home defeat to Pau.
Westmeath native Mark Flanagan made his first start of the season for Mont-de-Marsan yesterday in a 24-26 home defeat to Colomiers. The second row enjoyed an excellent season in the Pro D2 in 2013/14 and will now hope to return to that kind of form, helping his club to rise from their current 6th position in the Pro D2.
Hey Murray,
Is Paddy McCallister far off playing for Aurillac, he still injured? Looked a real prospect a few years ago, he’s been so unlucky with injuries and he just needs regular rugby!
HI Larry,
Yes, I believe McAllister is quite close to coming back from injury for Aurillac, and Brian Hayes in the second row too. Will be interesting to follow them both this season, Conor Gaston on the wing as well. Cheers.