**Sam Davies Dazzles as Grenoble Clinch Play-off Semi-final, Leaving George North and Provence Reeling**
French rugby fans were treated to a masterclass from Wales international Sam Davies on Thursday night, as the exiled fly-half orchestrated Grenoble’s emphatic 38-17 victory over Provence in the Pro D2 semi-final. The spotlight was very much on the Welsh duo on opposing teams, but it was Davies, not George North, who produced the match-defining moments and moved his side a step closer to promotion to France’s prestigious Top 14 league.
Davies, now 31 and several years removed from his last of eight Wales caps, has built a remarkable reputation since his move abroad. After leaving the Ospreys and Dragons, he flourished with Grenoble, culminating in being named Pro D2’s player of the season during his debut year across the Channel. Despite falling narrowly short of promotion last campaign, it seems Davies and his teammates are determined to go one better this time around.
From the first whistle in the Stade des Alpes, Davies was everywhere—both orchestrating attacks and delivering vital points. Amassing 18 points from the tee, he slotted three conversions and three penalties, but it was his flair and precision in open play that truly ignited the home support. The first magical moment arrived just before half-time with Grenoble holding a healthy 13-0 lead. Provence’s goal-line drop-out was snapped up by Davies deep in his own half. Crossing into enemy territory, he unleashed a left-footed drop-goal from 40 metres, thrilling the supporters and extending the advantage at a critical stage of the contest.
Just moments later, Grenoble pressed their dominance. As Provence tried to respond, star winger George North—who joined the French outfit earlier this season—was met with a bone-rattling tackle by Thibaut Martel. The ball was dislodged and quickly shifted wide. Davies took full advantage, executing a pinpoint cross-field kick to the corner, setting up teammate Gerswin Mouton for a spectacular try. The display of audacious skill prompted French media to describe Davies as a “maestro”, a sentiment widely echoed by Grenoble fans and neutrals alike.
The narrative for North, however, could hardly have been more contrasting. The 122-cap Wales legend struggled to impose himself and endured a frustrating evening, capped off by being substituted after only 52 minutes. Despite Provence enjoying a numerical advantage following Richard Hardwick’s red card, North and his team were ultimately outclassed in every department.
Attention now shifts to next weekend’s final, where Grenoble will square off against the winners of Brive and Montauban. The stakes could hardly be higher: victory would secure a coveted place in the Top 14, an achievement that has eluded Grenoble in recent seasons despite numerous close calls.
Wales fans will also follow Brive’s progress with keen interest as back-rower Ross Moriarty, another international exile, is expected to feature for the French outfit. Moriarty has already confirmed his planned return to the Ospreys next season, but he will be hoping to end his French stint on a high by helping Brive reach the final.
For Davies, this latest performance only enhances his standing as one of the most influential imports in French rugby’s second tier. While his Wales career appears to be behind him, his heroics in France have been nothing short of inspirational as he continues to produce critical plays under pressure.
As the Pro D2 play-offs reach their climax, Grenoble’s hopes now rest on Davies maintaining this exceptional form. With promotion and a return to French rugby’s premier division so tantalisingly close, supporters will hope that their Welsh talisman has more moments of magic left in him.
In the broader context, Davies’ successes abroad once again spark conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing Welsh players who seek new adventures after international duty. For now, Davies is fully focused on leading his club to glory, while North and others can only watch and reflect on a night when fortunes sharply diverged under the floodlights in Grenoble.