Top 14: Stade Français winner in Lyon for the first time in its history (32-36)

2023-11-11 22:35:40

The Parisians launch their obstacle course perfectly. Before the derby against Racing, a trip to Pau and shocks against Toulouse and La Rochelle, Stade Français took the scalp of LOU this Saturday (32-36). A second consecutive victory in the championship, and above all the first Parisian victory in Lyon in the history of the Top 14.

However, the indiscipline at the start of the match could have cost them dearly. In the first half, Lyon fly-half Paddy Jackson scored 100%, scoring all 15 of his team’s points. But even if they were too guilty, the Parisians remained more dangerous than their opponents in the evening.

First thanks to the opportunist Jeremy Ward, who came to counter a Lyon kick and flattened in the LOU goal with a little success (23rd). Then with the work of his first line, and the strong passages of the left pillar Sergo Abramishvili (30th) and the hooker Mickaël Ivaldi (40th).

But upon returning from the locker room, and while the Parisians thought they were staying on course after a penalty from Zack Henry, LOU found the fault for the first time. Led by ex-French international Romain Taofifenua (47th), the Lyonnais finally truly entered their match, taking the Gerland supporters with them.

Zack Henry impérial

Spectators standing as one, in the 53rd minute, to pay tribute to Toby Arnold as he left. The New Zealand fullback, who has been with the club for ten years, was on his last rugby pitch this Saturday as a professional player. The reverence of a “legend” of the Lyon club, as recalled by a banner spread in the stands, next to his giant portrait.

But the New Zealander’s career finally ended with two defeats, after LOU’s failure against Racing 92 last weekend (22-10). Because despite the Lyon reaction at the start of the second half, the precision at the foot of Zack Henry will have dampened the hopes of the Locals. Uncompromising, the Briton scored 21 points alone.

A final Lyon try from Yanis Charcosset would still have offered an unbreathable end to the match for LOU, but it was not enough to prevent the Parisians from achieving their fifth success in six days (32-36), and a historic first victory. In Lyon.

“We knew we had never won here, a very difficult terrain for us. We are very happy. We relied on our forwards who were monstrous, and it paid off,” rejoiced French international Sekou Macalou after the meeting on Canal +.

Enough to allow the Stadistes to consolidate their place on the Top 14 podium, and even take the lead in the championship, tied on points with Pau (winner of Bordeaux on Saturday), while waiting for the Racing 92 match against Toulon.