Racing 92 very close to qualification by dominating the Stormers (31-22)

Racing 92 is not dead in the Champions Cup. The Hauts-de-Seine club fulfilled its part of the contract this Saturday to give itself a chance to continue its European season. The Ile-de-France residents beat the Stormers with the offensive bonus at Paris-La Défense Arena, in a close match that was not always controlled but which ended up putting a smile on their face (31-22). They now put their European destiny in the hands of Toulon, which will allow them to qualify for the round of 16 if the RCT wins on Sunday in Sale.

It was difficult to follow the common thread of this meeting, like the Racing season. The locals were rather very realistic in the first period, with three good tries including two for the explosive Vinaya Habosi (18th, 37th) which allowed him to break away at the break (19-10). Then united upon returning from the locker room to not concede any points despite being numerically inferior due to a yellow card against their captain Ibrahim Diallo (40th). And the royal road opened after a second personal try from Max Spring (56th), particularly inspired this Saturday and finisher of an action superbly driven by man of the match Nolann Le Garrec.

And then? An air hole. Like too often this year. In quick succession, Stuart Lancaster's men saw their lead disappear with two tries conceded due to errors in concentration. The first time on a lack of vigilance from Dan Lancaster which opened a fatal interval (58th). Then on a harmless ruck where the Altoséquanais were caught like blues in the closed area (65th). The type of mistakes that big names make very rarely, but too frequent for a club far from the cream of the European scene.

At will and thanks to the talent of its individuals, including Nolann Le Garrec and his brilliant creativity with ball in hand, the Ile-de-France club ended up winning their case and avoiding the specter of a third defeat in the competition. Paris-La Défense Arena was liberated in the last minutes thanks to a strong try from Boris Palu (77th).

Can Racing be satisfied with this against this revamped Stormers team? Not really. But this forceps victory, the first in a month, illustrates its current means. Perhaps she will allow him to go one more lap.