The Stade Français won a fine duel against Toulon (26-24), Sunday evening during the 16th day of the Top 14. In this duel of prestigious but poorly ranked teams, the Toulonnais had started better in the first period, turning in the lead at the break (17-10). But the Parisians, more physically solid, then responded and took the lead, until the RCT scored a final try in the last seconds to snatch the defensive bonus.
With this success, Stade Français moved up to 10th place, while Toulon remained penultimate.
A decisive advantage fifteen minutes from time
The “Soldats Roses”, meanwhile, after snatching their qualification in the round of 16 of the European Cup in Connacht, were keen to please their (rare, because of gauge) supporters in Jean-Bouin. This match also had a particular taste for the Toulon third line Sergio Parisse, legend of Italian rugby (38 years old, 142 selections): he who wore the capital’s jersey for fourteen seasons was also applauded when he left (55th ).
Both teams quickly picked up the pace, with the first try of the match, signed by RCT Fijian Jiuta Wainiqolo, arriving in the 11th minute. Ten minutes later, the international scrum half of Toulon Baptiste Serin, not retained by Fabien Galthié with the Blues, scored his own, following a good job of fixing Kolbe in the Parisian defense (3-14).
Stade Français was quick to react, with a strong try from its Samoan pillar Moses Palo-Emile (10-14, 28th), his first with the pros. After the break, the Var defense slowed down the Parisian club for a long time until after a touch, followed by a penetrating group, the third line Antoine Burban did not flatten (20-17, 66th), allowing the locals to take the advantage for the first time and keep it until the end, despite Dorian Laborde’s try for the RCT in added time, synonymous with a defensive bonus point.