Vannes has returned to the TOP 14, the top tier of French rugby, but coach Jean-Noël Spitzer acknowledges the challenges that come with staying in the elite. The Breton club made its return to the top division after losing three matches to Castres, Montpellier, and Toulouse. While the final match, a 23-29 loss to Toulouse at La Rabine, showed that Vannes can keep up with the league's best teams, Spitzer highlights the key differences between the TOP 14 and lower divisions. He points out that the pace of the game is not the only factor—forward power near the try line, along with organized play and the ability to move the ball effectively, are essential. Additionally, the speed of players, including their running, passing, and the quickness of player interactions when the ball changes sides, plays a crucial role in success at this level. Spitzer notes that in the TOP 14, mistakes cannot be easily recovered from, unlike in the second-tier Pro D2. Vannes learned this lesson during its previous stint in the top division and used its time in Pro D2 to improve in this area. The team's offensive structure has not been completely overhauled, but the focus has been on reintroducing speed into their existing system. Speed has now become a central part of training, with players expected to reach 90% of their maximum velocity in every session. Spitzer admits he is not a fan of isolated sprint drills, but he acknowledges that players need to reach speeds of 34 km/h to compete at this level. On the defensive side, Vannes is working to improve the time it takes for players to return to action after making a tackle. The goal is for players to be back in the game in less than two seconds, a standard that is vital for maintaining pressure and preventing the opposition from capitalizing on turnovers. During the match against Toulouse, Vannes recorded 12 offensive tackles compared to six by Toulouse, and had 123 tackles overall. However, despite these defensive efforts, Vannes has yet to convert these performances into points in the standings. After three matches, they remain in 14th place with zero points, having lost to Castres, Montpellier, and Toulouse. The upcoming match against Toulon on September 26 will be a crucial test. Toulon is also searching for its first win of the season, and the match will provide a clear measure of Vannes' progress. While the team has not forgotten how to play rugby after spending a season in Pro D2, Spitzer believes that the difference between the divisions lies in the ability to execute plays just a few seconds faster. As the season progresses, Vannes will need to refine its offensive efficiency and capitalize on turnovers to move up the standings.