It’s an impressive streak, one that carries a team to a finals or more. The Stade Français rocks on the European scene and the Challenge Cup, with four wins in a row, including three with the bonus. There was not this extra point during the success against Castres on Saturday (26-7), but everything that has been the strength of this team for weeks has shown up in Jean-Bouin: a stifling defense, forwards solid, and a bit of success.
“We manage our weak times much better than last year, underlines rear Kylan Hamdaoui. We are more confident, we never give up. “” We feel that the team does not panic, abounds his manager Gonzalo Quesada. She lets the storm pass with a rather remarkable serenity. »
Many movements internally
It is not, however, thanks to peaceful backstage. Players and staff learned at the start of the season that the Labit-Ghezal duo, currently coaching the XV of France, would leave the Blues after the 2023 World Cup to replace Quesada. The ideal situation to give birth to a year of transition. But for the moment, the imbroglio has rather united the troops, second in the Top 14 behind Toulouse.
“If someone ignites, he is crazy, loose the Argentinian technician. There are a lot of movements, a lot of things happening regarding the future. A good part of the staff learns whether he stays or not. Players know week after week if they will be retained or not. Behind, there are men and families…”
Last episode: questions around the future of forwards coach Laurent Sempéré, in the sights of Blues coach Fabien Galthié according to L’Equipe. Another file to manage behind the scenes. But in the window, those concerned do much more than the job.