Bayonne-Stade Français (21-13): Paris relapses despite an encouraging match

It was a test of character. And the Parisians quite succeeded, Sunday at the end of the 11th day of Top 14. But in the end, it was a defeat (13-21) in Bayonne, certainly less scathing than the previous four away, but a defeat nonetheless. This setback, without a defensive bonus yet within its reach, leaves Stade Français in 12th place, a small point ahead of Lyon, the barrage. And 11 units from Rowing, fifth and he got into the right car.

The gulf between the two teams in the standings was not really seen on the pitch, where Paris delivered a rather encouraging performance. In line with what we expect from an away team, with a tough and disciplined defense. It has, in fact, only conceded two tries, whereas it had suffered at least four in each of its trips until then.

Only Mateo Carreras (11th, 7-3) and Esteban Capilla (46th, 15-10), with forceps and over long sequences, managed to score. Stade Français reacted after the first try, with Joe Marchant on a combination led by a kick from Louis Carbonel behind the defense (13th, 7-10). But subsequently, cruelly lacked the edge to make the nearly five minutes spent in the Bayonnais 22m a reality.

Samuel Ezeala, established after the last minute withdrawal of Julien Delbouis, or Léo Barré, were very close to flattening, without success. Having just entered the game, the international full-back was pushed into touch by ex-Parisian Giovanni Habel-Küffner. Paris also reconnected with its old demons when Carbonel, until then impeccable, missed a penalty on the 22m line, slightly to the left (64th).

In the process, the other veteran of the house, Joris Segonds, sent a kick from more than 50 m to put his team within two marks (68th, 21-13). Paris had missed its chance, with a winnable Rowing but once again imperial at home.