Biarritz Olympique vs Nissa

Nissa entered the interval with momentum and a numerical advantage for the first minutes of the second half. But any hope of a comeback was extinguished within three minutes of the restart. Dawai collected his second try on 43 minutes — again from close range, finishing after a powerful Biarritz maul — and Dolhagaray converted. 29-5, and the bonus point was secured.

From that point, Biarritz controlled the remainder without ever moving through the gears. The match lacked the free-flowing continuity of the opening quarter, with both sides making heavy rotations: 23 substitutions in total.

Mosese Dawai — Two tries on his Biarritz debut, both finished with power and certainty. The Fijian centre gave the BO midfield punch it occasionally lacked last season.

Thomas Dolhagaray — A try, one penalty and three conversions for a 15-point haul. His game management was sound, and he combined well with Yann Lesgourgues at half-back.

Baptiste Fariscot — Introduced off the bench on 51 minutes and produced a moment of magic in the 64th minute, collecting Dolhagaray's kick and delivering a volleyed pass that sent the fly-half over for Biarritz's fifth try. A genuine contender for assist of the round.

Rémi Bourdeau — The captain led from the flank, steadying his side after Nissa's first-half response. His post-match summary on Canal+ was typically measured: "We knew it was a trap match. We're happy, but we're not getting carried away."

Biarritz scored five tries — Dawai (2), Acebes, penalty try, Dolhagaray — to Nissa's one, and the 22-5 half-time scoreline reflected a first half dominated by Biarritz's set-piece and direct carrying. The second half was scrappier: only 14 further points came, all from the hosts, as both benches cleared and the game lost its rhythm. The penalty try and Sirgel's yellow card (23rd minute) illustrate where the match was ultimately won — the Biarritz scrum was a weapon that Nissa could not contain.

Biarritz sit second in the early Pro D2 table on five points, behind only teams with superior points difference. Nissa, making their return to the division after winning promotion through the access match against Mont-de-Marsan, are 15th with zero points — a reminder of the step up from Nationale. The schedule does not ease: Biarritz travel to Soyaux-Angoulême in Round 2, while Nissa host Béziers at Stade des Arboras.

A professional, efficient start from a Biarritz side that knows the importance of banking home bonus points in a long Pro D2 season. Dawai's debut double and the scrum's dominance are the most encouraging signs for Boris Bouhraoua. Nissa showed glimpses — Nalaga's try was well-worked — but the gulf in set-piece power was decisive. The promoted side will face far sterner tests of character, but they will not face many more physical examinations than this at Aguiléra.