Despite a disastrous start to the match, Stade Français logically won, with an offensive bonus, displaying great character. Enough to regain confidence in the perspective of a possible qualification for the Champions Cup and in the commando operation launched in the Top 14.
Since a law passed in 2016, spanking has been banned in France. However, no offense to the legislator, it sometimes has significant educational virtues. So go and ask the Stade Français players – who are certainly no longer children – what they think about it, they who suffered, a week before receiving the English from Northampton, reigning English champions, a severe beating by Union Bordeaux-Bègles (19-46), synonymous with thirteenth place in the Top 14 ranking. “We had a complicated week,” confessed last Thursday the three-quarter center Julien Delbouis, recalling in passing the feeling of “shame” felt by a large part of the players and technical staff. Perhaps we can draw from the post-traumatic shock of this humiliation the beginning of an explanation for the disastrous first twenty minutes of the Parisians against the Saints. It's hard to make a worse start. Less than 20 minutes of play, three tries for 21 points conceded. “There, I was afraid”whispered head coach Paul Gustard at a press conference, then qualifying the third English try “embarrassing” for his team. Mild understatement.
Renewed confidence
The fear of taking another beating in their stadium is more surely at the origin of the awakening of Paul Gabrillagues and his partners. “That’s what I love about Stade Français, smiled opener Zack Henry. Even at 21-0 for Northampton, we had no doubts. We told ourselves we were going to win this match. We didn't collapse, we all stayed connected together. In fact, when you believe in it, you are capable of doing great things.” The English opener speaks the truth. In less than an hour, the Parisians scored seven tries, which has never happened this season. A turnaround synonymous with victory with offensive bonus. Above all, they showed great strength of character. Like what… “When it is sometimes difficult, human beings are tempted to look for those responsible, underlined captain Paul Gabrillagues. But no, at the Stade Français, we are all together. And we responded together on the ground.” By rediscovering the keys to the ball carried, one of the strengths of the stadium last season. After Peniasi Dakuwaqa and JJ Van der Mescht gave hope, Laurent Labit's players scored four tries thanks to the power of their forwards. “We must reassure ourselves on our bases”announced Julien Delbouis before the meeting. Objective achieved, even if the closed scrum was punished on several occasions.
-With this success, Stade Français proved to itself that it had resources and that it was undoubtedly better than what it has displayed for several weeks in the Top 14. Enough to regain confidence in the perspective of the match capital in Vannes on January 25. Before that, the Pink Soldiers still have to play this last group match next Saturday in Pretoria against the Bulls where they can possibly qualify for the round of 16. “I hope it will be a pivotal match in our season, said Zack Henry. We showed that we were capable of winning collisions up front, playing balls behind, winning possession of the pitch. There are some really positive things.” And to conclude in a burst of lucidity: “But we’re not stupid, we know that it’s only one match left. We absolutely need to validate that.”
France
