TOP/FLOP – Ali in great form, a Romain Briatte at the oven and the mill, a sleeping Racing team and a conquest in the bad…. The tops and flops of the improved victory of the Stade Français against Racing 92.
TOP
Peni Dakuwaqa and Lester Etien, the evening magicians
They delighted Jean-Bouin and are the protagonists of the great success of the Stade Français over Racing this Sunday (40-24). Lester Etien’s try (5′) in the opening minutes already set the tone. The 29-year-old winger was at the start, in the relay with an aerial duel won, and at the finish line of the first Parisian feat of the evening. He then scored a brace with a beautiful inside hook on Lancaster (32′) before giving up due to injury moments later (36′). Only 36 minutes spent on the pitch but enough to make 4 crosses, beat 4 opponents and travel 73 metres, in addition to his brace.
Dakuwaqa is also not excluded. If he had to settle for just one attempt after a 60-meter run in which he once again showed his maximum speed, he consistently put his team in the lead with 148 meters run and the simplicity of staying upright on contact. Already 4 tries in 5 games for him this season.
Carbonel, a hinge that has it all
They were expected at this meeting and they did better than expected. Convincing last week against La Rochelle, the Weber-Carbonel hinge confirmed on Sunday evening that the Stade Français can count on them this season. Good at animation, Weber masters his team’s outings by intelligently alternating the play of his forwards and his three-quarters. The former RCT and MHR starter was excellent in controlling the game, such as the action on Etien’s second try which he moved perfectly after an all-out acceleration. Despite two early failures against the posts, he then adjusted his shot to finish with a 5/7.
Romain Briatte did everything right
A 100% tackle (14/14), incessant activity during the 80 minutes spent on the pitch and a contagious desire. An example for his teammates both in the fight and in the running game in which he also stood out with a cross, 37 meters covered but above all a well-felt pass from behind for his team’s second try.
FLOP
Lack of continuity in the game for Racing
Certainly the Stade Français defense regained its splendor at the worst moment for Ciel et Blanc but this is not the only explanation for Racing’s difficult performance on an offensive level. Six attackers at half-time, passes after contacts that never arrive (only 7 against 15 for Stade Français), and a recurring lack of support as soon as the advantage line is crossed.
As for the three tries scored at the end of the match, they have the merit of existing and having put the Stade Français in doubt, but they are rather to be attributed to a drop in pace by the Parisians,
An achievement that complicates everything
Still in the game at the half hour mark, Racing could have made Stade Français doubt with more precision in their play as explained above. But also if he could count on a more reliable collateral sector. Despite the early return of specialist Cameron Woki, Stuart Lancaster’s men lost four balls on their shots. Enough to prevent Racing from developing their game especially in the first period.
The end of a series for Racing
Racing had become accustomed to feeling at home with Jean-Bouin. But now it’s ancient history and the return to earth was violent with this ferocious defeat despite a (too) late return which could have deprived the Parisians of the offensive bonus. It’s been 8 years since the inhabitants of Ile-de-France last lost to their Parisian neighbors. It was December 3, 2017 with Nayacalevu’s brace for the Pink Soldiers.
What were the key factors that contributed to Stade Français’s victory over Racing 92?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Rugby Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our special segment where we delve into the latest happenings in the rugby world! Joining us today is rugby analyst and former player, Dr. Sophie Laurent. Sophie, thanks for being here!
Dr. Sophie Laurent: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the game we love.
Editor: Let’s dive right into the most recent match, where Stade Français triumphed over Racing 92 with a score of 40-24. What stood out to you about Stade Français’s performance?
Sophie: It was a remarkable display of rugby. The standout players, particularly Peni Dakuwaqa and Lester Etien, really made an impact. Their combination and individual skills ignited the match early on. Etien’s entire 36 minutes were electrifying, with two tries and multiple defenders beaten. It’s a real testament to his talent.
Editor: Absolutely! Etien’s try in just the fifth minute set a strong tone for the game. What about Dakuwaqa? He seems to be in sensational form this season as well.
Sophie: Dakuwaqa is a powerhouse on the field. His ability to cover ground—148 meters in this game—and his speed are phenomenal. The way he scored with a 60-meter run shows his potential to break defenses wide open. With four tries in five matches, he’s made his mark this season.
Editor: It sounds like the Stade Français attack was on fire! Moving over to their hinges, Weber and Carbonel had big responsibilities. How did they perform together?
Sophie: The Weber-Carbonel combination was brilliant. They brought a lot of creativity to their play. Weber controlled the tempo exceptionally well and was crucial in alternating the styles of play between forwards and backs. Even after some early errors, he recovered to finish strong, showcasing resilience. Their synergy is crucial for Stade Français’ overall strategy.
Editor: It seems their defense played a pivotal role as well. Romain Briatte had an outstanding game. What did you think of his performance?
Sophie: Romain Briatte was indeed phenomenal—he was a defensive rock with a 100% tackle rate! His 14 successful tackles reflect his work ethic and commitment to the match. Plus, he contributed offensively with his clever passing. As someone who leads by example, his energy must be contagious for the rest of the team.
Editor: Now, let’s talk about Racing 92. They faced challenges in this match. What do you think went wrong for them?
Sophie: Racing struggled with continuity in their game plan. They faced a solid Stade defense at their worst moments and failed to adapt. Their inability to maintain phases and build momentum in their attacks was evident. We’ll need to see how they adjust moving forward if they want to compete at the top levels.
Editor: Do you believe this match could signal the beginning of a trend for Stade Français moving forward?
Sophie: Certainly! This kind of performance shows they have the potential to be serious contenders this season. If they can maintain consistency and keep their top players healthy, they can challenge for the title.
Editor: Exciting times ahead! Thank you once again, Sophie, for your insights into this thrilling match. We look forward to seeing how both teams perform in the coming weeks.
Sophie: Thank you! I can’t wait to see how the season unfolds!