If we were in very bad faith, it seems that the Stade Français is weakening a bit by pointing out that unlike its last three victories in the league, Paris did not pocket the offensive bonus. But let’s be serious, and above all, let’s enjoy. Gonzalo Quesada’s players have extended their series of successes by dominating Castres (26-7) at home, and seem to be getting used to this top ranking where only Toulouse and its armada are ahead of them.
Paris was looking for its new success in the humidity of a rainy Saturday in January, but also in the heart of the fray. The Parisian pack impresses, and marked that of the vice-champions of France in the first period, by snatching three penalties from them in this exercise. A demonstration of power, materialized by the foot of the opener Joris Segonds, and carried by an aggressive defense, his trademark this season.
Castres should have taken a red entry
Speaking of aggressiveness, we still wonder how Filipo Nakosi was able to get away with a simple yellow card after video analysis for this sprint ended with a tie at full speed on Parisian winger Paolo Odogwu (3rd). Paris put his first try, penalty, of the match on the spot, but the Fijian should never have been able to return to the lawn ten minutes later.
But let’s get back to basics. At the moment, Paris is capitalizing, and has the gift – or the chance, we will not go into this debate – of taking advantage of the small twists of fate: the Castres opener Benjamin Urdapilleta who slips and misses a chewed penalty (57th), Castrais who crunch with a forward action very well launched (59th) or when the rebound ends in the arms of Paris and brings his second try of the meeting (67th).
And now ? First, two European Challenge matches, and therefore rotations in the ranks of the capital club. Then, it will be time to return, in the shadow of the Six Nations Tournament, to the Top 14. Where this Stade Français continues to confirm.
FRANCAIS STADIUM – CASTRES: 26-7
Half-time: 19-7
French Stadium: penalty tries (3rd), Ward (67th); Segonds penalties (13th, 20th, 37th, 40th + 1); Segonds transformation (68th)
Castres: Doubrère trial (25th); transformation of Urdapileta (26th)
Affluence : 10,470 spectators