Stade rise to beat Clermont and dent their title ambitions

Next season’s Stade Français coach Michael Cheika was in the stands to watch his future side claim a moral boosting victory against Clermont Auvergne today in the Top 14.

Coach Jacques Delmas described Stade’s season as a “black year” but this result showed signs the side is capable of pulling off good results and should ease Cheika’s mind somewhat about the task he faces beginning in the summer.

An exciting first half, which initially looked like Stade were in for a long afternoon, was not matched in the second, as the razzmatazz of cheerleaders and a Jean of Arc imitation riding on horseback across the Stade de France prior to kick-off fizzled out over the 80 minutes.

Clermont started the game the brighter, with French Six Nations star Morgan Parra directing his forwards through multiple phases to the Stade line, which succumbed to Tomas Domingo to give the visitors the lead. Parra converted, but soon after gave away a penalty allowing Stade to kick for territory and national team-mate Dimitri Szarzewski went over to level the scores, after the extras were added by fly-half Lionel Beauxis.

Anthony Floch, the Clermont full-back, turned defence into attack, as he intercepted a pass meters from his own line and strode down the field, but a tremendous try-saving covering tackle by Beauxis brought the full-back down and just into touch with the try line in site.

Pressure continued from the side who were sat in fourth place before the game, but a loose pass from Mathieu Bastareaud found its way to centre partner Mark Gasnier who crossed the line and allowed Beauxis to kick his second conversion of the match within 20 minutes for Stade.

A Parra penalty reduced the deficit to 14-10 but although Clermont had more of the ball in their opponents half it was the Parisians, roared on by a packed Stade de France, who looked more potent with the ball in hand as the sunshine and hardening pitch complemented their expansive game.

Their adventure was rewarded when Beauxis decided to kick a penalty, 10 meters from the Clermont line, out for a line-out with just two minutes to go of the first-half. A well worked set-piece saw an unstoppable driving maul trundle over with hooker Szarzewski’s name credited with his second try of the afternoon.

Stade went into the half-time break leading 19-10.

In the second forty minutes the score stayed the same as neither side could add to their first half totals.

Without the likes of Juan Manuel Leguizamón, Sergio Parisse and the banned David Attoub the Stade pack may have expected to falter, but they dominated with their speed, efficiency and directness. One of the brightest lights was England international Tom Palmer who shone in the loose and continued to impress after his selection in the same stadium two weeks earlier against France.

Bastareaud, as he did for his national side, was a constant problem for the opposition. Even without the ball he attracted two defenders leaving spaces for his team-mates to penetrate and he tackled ferociously.

This was a rare positive in a disastrous season for Stade who look to be the number two side in Paris behind Racing Metro come May – a unthinkable scenario for most associated with the club.

For Clermont their title push is far from over, but a sever dent has been inflicted to their challenge because of this result.


Scores:
4 – CA try Domingo, converted Parra
9 – SF try Szarzewski, converted Beauxis
17 – SF try Gasnier, converted Beauxis
33 – CA pen Parra
38 – SF try Szarzewski

HT 19-10
FT 19-10