Home Victory: Switzerland secures 29–23 win against Netherlands

Historic Home Victory: Switzerland Edge Oranje Heren XV 29–23 in Yverdon Thriller

The Edelweiss XV delivered a statement performance in Round 3 of the Rugby Europe Championship, defeating the Dutch “Oranje Heren XV” 29–23 in front of a buzzing home crowd at Stade Municipal in Yverdon-les-Bains on Sunday, 22 February.

With around 2,000 spectators creating an electric atmosphere, Switzerland secured a historic win — their first over the Netherlands after five consecutive defeats. It was a deserved reward for composure, resilience and belief in a contest that went down to the wire. Head coach Olivier Nier, newly appointed forwards coach Damien Jourdain and the rest of the enlarged coaching team guided the side to a disciplined and determined performance that reflected the team’s growing cohesion and ambition.

A Battle from the First Whistle

Both sides entered the clash searching for their first wins of 2026, and the intensity was evident from the outset. Switzerland edged a tightly contested first half 15–13, with tries from Cyril Fluckiger and Nicolas Mousties, plus five crucial points from the boot of stand-off and captain Jules Porcher. Early in the second half, momentum briefly swung the visitors’ way. A penalty from Meijer and a converted try by winger Sem Verplancke put the Dutch ahead 23–15 by the 53rd minute.

Composure Under Pressure

The response was immediate and decisive. Full-back Lucas Schmid — the youngest player in the squad, earning just his third cap — crossed for his first international try to bring Switzerland back into contention. With the Netherlands reduced to 14 men, one of the Swiss finishers, Johnatan Dallet, powered over with five minutes remaining, sealing the turnaround with a converted try that ultimately decided the match.

The drama, however, was far from over. In the final minute, a Dutch player crossed the tryline, only to be held up in a remarkable joint defensive effort by Cyril Fluckiger and Thomas Coignat. After a tense TMO review, the referee confirmed the try was held up — triggering nail-biting final seconds before the whistle finally sounded in favour of Switzerland. Captain Jules Porcher, outstanding throughout, was deservedly named Player of the Match. The trophy was presented post-game by Rugby Europe President Janhein Pieterse.

Eyes on the Next Step

With this victory, Switzerland climbs to third place in Pool A and will host another home fixture in Yverdon: the ranking semi-final against Germany on the weekend of 7/8 March (details to follow).

In two weeks’ time, the Edelweiss XV has the opportunity to secure its place in next season’s Championship with a win over Germany. Should Switzerland fall short, the decisive Championship Finals in Madrid on 15 March will determine their fate.

For now, Swiss rugby celebrates a landmark result — a performance defined by resilience, defensive grit and composure under pressure until the very last second.

Photos by Neil Dodd (doddsiephoto.ch)