Gailleton and Grandidier-Nkanang help Pau overcome Castres

Section Paloise beat Castres 35-26 on Saturday, with Émilien Gailleton and Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang among the leading contributors. The win came in a tight contest, even as league leaders Pau are not playing their best rugby. Stade Toulousain are still due to host Bayonne on Sunday at 21:05.

Gailleton scored just after the break, in the 41st minute, following Grandidier-Nkanang’s recovery of a high ball. The Pau wing then scored the five points that proved decisive, after the final whistle had sounded. Grandidier-Nkanang’s sprinting exchanges with Christian Ambadiang were another feature of the closely fought match.

Castres came close to an upset. A week earlier, the club had lost 8-7 at home to Toulouse’s very young side. This time, Castres pushed the league leaders hard in Pau but could not turn the contest around.

The two Pau players are among three internationals followed by Fabien Galthié, alongside Fabien Brau-Boirie. Their contribution helped Pau secure the win despite a team performance that fell short of its best level.