Théo Forner made a memorable contribution in USAP's 38-25 victory over UBB, scoring a try that was later described as smelling of rugby sevens. The play began with a long pass from Braydon Ennor, positioning Forner in open space. Instead of attempting a direct tackle, Forner opted to kick the ball forward, bypassing the defender and outpacing the last Bordeaux defender, Penaud, before grounding the ball. This clever decision showcased his ability to turn a challenging situation into a scoring opportunity.
Forner's performance did not go without consequence. Nine minutes after scoring, he received a yellow card for obstructing Salesi Rayasi following a kick from the Bordeaux fullback. During his absence, Perpignan managed to score 14 points, thanks to Diego Mascarenc and Sama Malolo. Despite this, the Catalans led 21-13 at halftime, showing their ability to maintain control even when missing a key player.
Forner's style of play reflects his background in rugby sevens, a variant of the sport played with seven players per side. In open space, he avoids relying solely on speed to beat opponents. Instead, he uses a kick to shift the momentum of the play, creating an opportunity to attack a defender running towards their own try line. This kind of tactical play is common in rugby sevens, where quick decision-making and spatial awareness are crucial.
At 24 years old, Forner has already achieved significant success, including an Olympic gold medal from Paris 2024. Before the Games, he had scored 29 tries on the world circuit, but a knee injury against Fiji cut short his Olympic tournament. Despite this setback, his name remains among the top French rugby players.
Forner's early performances in the Top 14 2026-2027 season highlight his ability to create scoring opportunities consistently. Before facing Bordeaux, he had already scored two tries, and against Castres in the second round, he covered 142 meters with the ball in hand, scoring two breaks that were key moments for the Catalan side.
Forner's try against Bordeaux brings his total to three tries in four rounds, demonstrating his value to Perpignan. His ability to exploit imperfect ball situations and turn limited space into scoring opportunities makes him a versatile player in the backfield. This victory allowed USAP to reach nine points after four rounds, maintaining their undefeated status at Aimé-Giral. The win over the double European champions, following a previous 43-29 victory against Castres, highlights the promising start to the season, with Forner's early impact already signaling a strong campaign.
Théo Forner's Try and Impact in USAP's Victory Over UBB
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