Stade Francais secured a thrilling 27-25 victory over Exeter Chiefs in the EPCR Challenge Cup on Saturday, showcasing a remarkable comeback in Paris. The Chiefs dominated the first half, leading 17-0, but Stade Francais fought back with a series of strategic plays and individual brilliance.
The match began with the Chiefs taking an early lead, showcasing their offensive prowess. However, the turning point came when Stade Francais' winger, Paul Brown-Bampoe, made his long-awaited return to the field, scoring the first try of the game. This sparked a shift in momentum, as the French team began to gain confidence.
The Chiefs' pack's dominance at the scrum resulted in a penalty kick, which Henry Slade successfully converted, extending their lead. Despite the Chiefs' early dominance, Stade Francais remained resilient. The second half saw a complete transformation, with Stade Francais taking control of the game.
The turning point came when Giorgi Melikidze, a replacement tighthead, forced his way over the line, scoring the first try for Stade Francais. This was followed by a series of quick scores, including a penalty try and a bonus point try by Charles Laloi, putting Stade Francais ahead 27-17. The Chiefs, however, almost snatched victory with a Slade drop goal, but a penalty awarded to Stade Francais in the final minutes sealed the game.
The match ended with Stade Francais claiming a narrow victory, 27-25, and securing an important bonus point. The Chiefs will now need to focus on their next game against Cardiff Rugby to secure a favorable draw in the last 16.
Stade Francais' Starting XV: J Jonas; C Laloi, J Marchant, T Vili, L Etien; L Bourdette, T Motassi; J Iscaro, G Nicotera, P Emile, P Gabrillagues, S Turagacoke, J Scelzo, Hirigoyen, I Mapu.
Chiefs' Starting XV: O Woodburn; I Feyi-Waboso, H Slade, W Rigg, P Brown-Bampoe; W Haydon-Wood, C Chapman; S Sio, J Dweba, B Tchumbadze, D Jenkins (c), A Zambonin, T Hooper, E Roots, G Fisilau.
The match was refereed by Craig Evans, with both teams displaying a high level of skill and determination throughout.
