Pau seize provisional Top 14 lead after Vannes thriller

Pau moved temporarily to the top of the Top 14 after surviving an extraordinary fightback from Vannes, who remain bottom without a victory. The result extended Vannes’ losing start to five matches, although the hosts claimed their first point of the season through a defensive bonus.

The visitors appeared to have the contest under control before half-time, building a 33-point advantage during a dominant opening spell. Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang scored twice, while Thibaut Daubagna, Théo Attissogbé and Axel Desperes also crossed for Pau. Vannes responded through Ben Stevenson, who scored two tries, but still faced a substantial deficit at the interval.

The home side then transformed the match after the break. Michael Ruru, Joe Edwards and Francisco Gorrissen helped cut the gap to seven points, bringing Vannes within reach of an unlikely comeback. Pau added only three points in the second half, through an Axel Desperes penalty, as the pressure shifted almost entirely onto the visitors.

Paul Surano’s try five minutes from time gave Vannes one final opportunity to complete the turnaround. The hosts could not find the decisive score, however, and Pau held on for a 43-40 win. The four points lifted the Béarn club into first place provisionally, while Vannes left with a bonus point but another defeat.