Vannes have one point after six rounds, but there is still room for hope

RC Vannes lost again on Saturday, this time 21-12 in Perpignan, and have only one point after six rounds of the Top 14. Their start to the season has been particularly difficult, but it is not yet enough to write off their chances: comparisons with even tougher starts counsel perspective. Vannes manager Jean-Noël Spitzer would certainly have preferred a more convincing opening from his team.

After six rounds, USM had three points, two more than Vannes have today. The gap underlines how difficult Vannes’ start has been, but does not make it unprecedented. Last season, USAP began even worse: after eight rounds, they had still failed to register a point.

Perpignan’s earlier experience also offers a point of reference. A year ago, before Laurent Labit arrived, USAP’s situation could offer some reassurance to Breton supporters: a very difficult start does not prevent a team’s campaign from changing course. For Vannes, the immediate picture remains a poor start, made worse by the defeat in Perpignan. But USAP’s record is a reminder that a points tally stuck at zero for a prolonged spell does not, by itself, determine what follows.