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Two red cards as merger-threatened rivals meet in Top 14
By Jack Davies
Two players were sent off as Stade Francais triumphed 27-23 over Racing 92 on Sunday, in a Top 14 clash between two clubs who appeared on course for a merger earlier in the season.
Club bosses announced the proposed joining of forces in March, but the plans were scrapped following a fierce backlash from players and fans.
And this contest between the Parisian rivals proved fiery, with Pascal Pape and Wenceslas Lauret shown red cards for throwing punches shortly before half-time.
Tied at 13-13 at half-time, Stade soared clear at the beginning of the second half through tries from Djibril Camara and Jonathan Danty.
Ben Tameifuna crossed as part of a Racing fightback, but it was not enough to prevent Stade from pulling level on points with their opponents.
In the day's other match, league leaders La Rochelle held off a spirited Montpellier to win 40-37.
Montpellier scored 21 points in the last 10 minutes but were unable to force their way into the top two.
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Latest Comments
I still see nothing in Sotutus play that hes changed his upright running style that failed so many times against decent international defences like the french. Other than that… Iose? Well you have covered his limitations well. If Sititi had been playing the the season… Jacobson? Grace?…Neither shout pick me. So Ardie it is.
Go to commentsThere isn’t one element you mentioned there that every top class or successful team gets up to. The great All blacks sides used to play on the ‘fringes or edge’ but it was essentially saying they were doing something illegal or borderline to gain dominance. The fine margins at the top are minute between the top sides. La Rochelle, the crusaders, Saracens, Toulon etc etc…..have all been accused. Get over it, the comment comes across as salty and naive. Northampton as well as they played to get back into the match were thoroughly beaten and controlled for 60 minutes and Leinster have only themselves to blame for kicking it away and hence losing control of the match and being nearly the architects of their own downfall.
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