Stade Français did not take fifty points this time and that’s happy for everyone, but the suspense no longer really exists after this new Parisian setback in the derby, in the first leg of the Cup round of 16 of Europe (22-9). The return next Sunday to Paris La Défense Arena does not leave much room for doubt. Racing is on its way to qualifying. His superiority in all areas proved to be obvious this Saturday in front of the 12,500 spectators at the Jean-Bouin stadium and he will just need a bit more realism and bite to bend a case that is not one. For the players of Gonzalo Quesada, it will take much more than a revolt on the other hand to hope to see the quarter-finals.
If the Parisians were satisfied with their first period a week ago at La Défense in the Top 14, just before leaving the match (53-20), they will not be able to say the same this time. The mea culpa declined in abundance did not serve as stimulants. And yet, from the top of the stands, the supporters had unfolded their spite in a few words on a banner as a wink: “Episode I: shame. Episode II: Honor Strikes Back? To tell the truth, the honor may have been on the lawn, but it was there all alone, without the legs, the arms and especially the heads that go with it.
The Ciel et Blancs had undoubtedly anticipated it. They simply set up a basic game plan: occupy the field, attempt one or two incursions… and see. They didn’t see anything. We neither. For 36 minutes, the “Soldats Roses” who could have renamed themselves under the name of “Plantons Transparents”, did nothing but retreat after two or three hazardous passes and swing great kicks in the air, history perhaps. be to hope for a favorable rebound. It’s a long thirty-six minutes under thirty-six candles…
Latu’s red card
When returning to the locker room, Gonzalo Quesada’s players had still managed to halve their delay by picking up two penalties in the nose and beard of Racingmen, all surprised by this minimal reaction (6-12). It’s fortunate because these six points have given a hint of morale to the players in the capital. And the match has gained in intensity.
Faced with this mini-fidelity, Laurent Travers’ men raised the bar. Nothing terrible, but enough to work some combinations at real speed. And on one of them, after a regular shelling from Racing under the opposing posts, Gaël Fickou found himself staggered and managed to flatten between two Parisians (64th, 6-19). The former defector folded the match, for good this time.
Especially since three minutes later, night fell prematurely on Jean-Bouin. Silatolu Latu, the Parisian hooker, jostled Baptiste Chouzenoux in full extension. The second line from Ile-de-France fell on the neck. Red card (67th). Curtain. The Stade Français will have to avoid a salty addition next Sunday in Nanterre. This is undoubtedly its only objective.
Dots.
Stade Français: 3 penalties from Segonds (38th, 40th, 71st).
Racing 92: 1 try from Fickou (64th); 1 transformation of Le Garrec; 4 penalties from Le Garrec (15th, 21st, 26th, 77th).