Match Centre: Champions Cup: Stade Francais 45-35 Northampton Saints

Northampton Saints secured their place in the Investec Champions Cup knockout stage despite the defeat
Northampton Saints secured their place in the Investec Champions Cup knockout stage despite the defeat
©PA

Stade Francais 45-35 Northampton Saints, Stade Jean Bouin

Northampton Saints' unbeaten run in the Investec Champions Cup pool stages came to an end with a 45-35 defeat to Stade Français at Stade Jean Bouin in Paris.

Despite a lightning-fast start and a 21-0 lead within the first 17 minutes, the Saints were overpowered by the French side's second-half surge.

The Saints began the match with a commanding performance, racing to a 21-0 lead. Tom Lockett opened the scoring after Northampton’s sustained momentum earned them a lineout inside Stade’s 22.

Henry Pollock followed with a brace of tries, showcasing his skill with a combination of power and individual brilliance, including a stripped ball and a sprint from halfway for his second score.

Rory Hutchinson, stepping in as fly-half for the injured Fin Smith, converted all three tries to give Saints a comfortable early advantage.

Stade Français clawed back into contention in the second quarter. Peni Dakuwaqa’s try on the right wing started the comeback before JJ van der Mesch capitalized on a charged-down kick to race under the posts. No. 8 Yoan Tanga then added another for Stade, finishing off a driving maul just before halftime.

With the score narrowed to 21-19, the French side carried their momentum into the second half.

Saints briefly extended their lead through Henry Walker, who crossed the line after a reload in Stade’s 22. However, Stade Français quickly leveled the game with a penalty try from a dominant driving maul, which also saw Saints' Alex Mitchell sin-binned for his actions.

Using their numerical advantage, Stade moved the ball quickly to send Samuel Ezeala through a gap before Tanga secured his second try, stretching Stade’s lead to 38-28.

A yellow card to Saints captain Josh Kemeny for a late tackle further hurt Northampton's chances, and Paul Gabrillagues guided another maul over the line to secure a 17-point lead for the hosts.

Curtis Langdon scored from a rolling maul to close the gap, with Hutchinson adding the extras. Despite their efforts, Saints left it too late to find another try and missed out on salvaging a second bonus point.

The loss ends Saints' unbeaten pool-stage streak but keeps them in contention for progression. They will need to regroup quickly for their next Champions Cup fixture as Stade Français celebrates a statement victory on home turf.

Team line up:

Stade Francais: Jonas; Dakuwaqa, Ezeala, Delbouis, Etien; Henry, Foursans-Bourdette; Alo-Emile, Nicotera, Gomez Kodela, Gabrillagues (capt), Van der Mescht, Halaifonua, Briatte, Tanga.

Reserves: Garcia Albo, Koffi, N'Diaye, Macalou, Pesenti, Weber, Carbonel, Marchant.

Northampton: Ramm; Freeman, Litchfield, Savala, Seabrook; Hutchinson, Mitchell; Haffar, Walker, Davison, Prowse, Lockett, Kemeny (capt), Scott-Young, Pollock.

Reserves: Langdon, West, Green, Hunter-Hill, Brown, Pearson, McParland, Makepeace-Cubitt.

 
 
 
 

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