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Week 3 of the Pro D2 is underway. The third round of the French second division season will have matches spread from Thursday through Sunday. Taking to the field are to be a range of players from the Americas.
In game one Dax played host to Narbonne earlier this evening. The home side’s 35-16 triumph was by a convincing 4 tries to 1. Involved from the Americas were a player in either team. Martín Chiappesoni started for Dax and David Tameilau did so for Narbonne. Both played in the back row.
Action kicks into high speed on Friday with six matches. All of the games kick-off at 8am local time. In western France Vannes take on Charente. Both had been in the Fédérale 1 prior to last season. They did well in their debut Pro D2 seasons and have the means of avoiding relegation. Eagles veteran Eric Fry starts for Vannes at loosehead prop in week 3.
Aurillac hosts Carcassonne feeling pressure. After two matches the Central French side is winless. Getting the season back on track starts at home and a big win is to be the target on Friday. Looking to win again for Carcassonne will be Demian Panizzo. The Argentine holds down a starting spot at lock.
Both Biarritz and Béziers are 1-1 going into week 3. Their match in the Basque country is a great opportunity for a bonus point win for the hosts. Looking to help the cause will be Argentine Leandro Assi. He starts for the Gonzalo Quesada-coached side at tighthead prop.
Grenoble is one of only two clubs to have won in both weeks 1 and 2. The city-side from the French Alpes has a home match against Mont-de-Marsan on Friday. Playing tighthead prop for the visitors will be Argentine Jerónimo Negrotto.
Parisian club Massy will be looking for another upset when they host Montauban. The club’s win in the opening weekend received plenty of accolades.
Friday’s remaining fixture sees Perpignan at home to Nevers. In theory it is David vs Goliath, though Nevers has played well so far. Pumas international Tomás Vallejos will play for Nevers as a replacement second row.
Week 3 will come to a close on Sunday. Colomiers is to have home advantage against Bayonne. Teams for the fixture are to be announced on Saturday afternoon. Players from Argentina and Chile are expected to feature.
