TOPS/FLOPS – Wingers in great shape, a Romain Briatte in the oven and at the mill, a sleeping Racing team and a conquest in evil…. The tops and flops of the improved victory of Stade Français against Racing 92.
TOPS
Peni Dakuwaqa and Lester Etien, the evening magicians
They delighted Jean-Bouin and are the main players in the great success of Stade Français over Racing this Sunday (40-24). Lester Etien’s try (5′) in the first minutes already set the tone. The 29-year-old winger was at the origin, in the relay with a won aerial duel, and at the finish of the first Parisian achievement of the evening. He then scored a double with a beautiful inside hook on Lancaster (32′) before giving up his place due to injury a few moments later (36′). Only 36 minutes spent on the pitch but enough time to make 4 crossings, beat 4 opponents and cover 73 meters, in addition to his double.
Dakuwaqa is not left out either. If he had to be content with just one try after a 60-meter race where he once again showed off his peak speed, he constantly put his team in the lead with 148 meters covered and a simplicity to remain standing upon contact. Already 4 tries in 5 matches for him this season.
Weber-Carbonel, a hinge that has it all
They were expected at this meeting and did better than meet expectations. Convincing last week against La Rochelle, the Weber-Carbonel hinge confirmed this Sunday evening that Stade Français could count on them this season. Good in animation, Weber mastered his team’s outings while intelligently alternating the game between his forwards and his three quarters. The former RCT and MHR opener was excellent in controlling the game, like the action on Etien’s second try which he shifted perfectly after an acceleration across the board. Despite two initial failures against the poles, he then adjusted his sights to finish with a 5/7.
Romain Briatte did everything well
A 100% tackle (14/14), incessant activity throughout the 80 minutes he spent on the pitch, and a contagious desire. An example for his teammates whether in the fight or in the running game in which he also stood out with a crossing, 37 meters covered but above all a well-felt pass behind the back for his team’s second try.
FLOPS
A lack of continuity in the game for Racing
Certainly the defense of Stade Français regained its splendor at the worst of times for the Ciel et Blanc but this is not the only explanation for Racing’s difficult performance on an offensive level. Six forwards at half-time, passes after contact which never arrive (only 7 against 15 for Stade Français), and a recurring lack of support as soon as the advantage line was crossed.
As for the three tries scored at the end of the match, they have the merit of existing and of having made Stade Français doubt, but they are rather to be put to the credit of a drop in the pace of the Parisians, perhaps a little too confident .
A conquest that complicates everything
Still in the match at the half-hour mark, Racing could have made Stade Français doubt with more precision in the game as explained above. But also if he had been able to count on a more reliable sideline sector. Despite the early return of specialist Cameron Woki, Stuart Lancaster’s men lost four balls on their own throws. Enough to prevent Racing from developing its game during the first period in particular.
The end of a series for Racing
Racing had become accustomed to being at home in Jean-Bouin. But it is now ancient history and the return to earth was violent with this scathing defeat despite a (too) late return which could have deprived the Parisians of the offensive bonus. It has been 8 years since the Ile-de-France residents last lost to their Parisian neighbors. It was December 3, 2017 with a double from Nayacalevu for the Pink Soldiers.
