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Gritty Parisian derby goes the way of Racing and Gael Fickou
By PA
Racing 92 took a significant step towards claiming a place in the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals by toppling Stade Francais 22-9. France centre Gael Fickou scored the only try of the last-16 first-leg clash at the Stade Jean-Bouin and it took until the 66th minute to breach the home defence.
Scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec kicked five penalties to provide the foundation for a gritty win in the Paris derby. Stade Francais suffered a major setback with 13 minutes to go when hooker Tolu Latu was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Baptiste Chouzenoux.
It was 12-6 at half-time with fly-half Joris Segonds kicking all of the Stade points and they face an uphill task to qualify for the last eight from this position, 13 points behind Racing. The rivals collide in the second leg at La Defense Arena next Sunday, with the aggregate winners to face either Bristol or Sale in the quarter-finals.
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Latest Comments
Yes. Departure of good coaches for no externally visible reason. Not even a cover story. Could be a major rugby disagreement or a compensation issue. Or maybe it's about an interventionist RFU administration. Whatever the reason it does look like a raised middle finger.
Go to commentsNo. He’s needed back home. Potential future Bok coach once Rassie gets tired and retires. Ackerman is key to sourcing and unlocking future talent. What a score for SA rugby.
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