Stade Français (5th in the Top 14), who fell to Toulon (19-5) on the last day, will want to correct their situation against Clermont (9th), another team looking for redemption after the setback conceded in front of their home crowd against in Bordeaux (40-35). For this 12th day of the championship, the Parisians are hosting this Saturday (5 p.m. at Jean-Bouin) vengeful Auvergnats of whom Morgan Parra is wary.
The Parisian attack coach spoke of this match that was “always special” for him, who played 13 years in Auvergne and experienced “huge moments” there. “Playing ASM is not a gift,” thinks Morgan Parra. Especially after last week where they lost at home on the last kickoff. We saw it, they are strong in contact, they knew how to get back into the match, they showed their strength of character. They will want to have a big match at home, they need points to pick up, we have been warned. »
For this match, Stade Français will be without Sekou Macalou, injured in an ankle. Laurent Labit, the Parisian manager, chose to align a Brad Weber – Zack Henry hinge. Léo Barré continues at the back, as does the pair of Marchant-Ward centers.
Lester Etien will play his 100th match with the Pink Soldiers. “100 matches in a club is an honor for me,” says the winger trained at Massy. The best thing would be to celebrate with a victory. We know that we have to put our minds back in place. We work hard every week on the attack, it’s the hardest thing to work on, but automatisms happen. We’re having more fun than in recent years, we’re trying to play, to keep the balls away. »
Opposite, the Parisians will find some old acquaintances of the club, like the Argentine third row Marcos Kremer, who left this summer, or the pillar Rabah Slimani and the fly-half Jules Plisson, two other veterans.
The match sheet
Stade français – Clermont, this Saturday at 5 p.m.
Referee: Mathieu Raynal.
French Stadium: Barre – Hamdaoui, Marchant, Ward, Etienne – (o) Henry, (m) Weber – Briatte, Hirigoyen, Halaifonua – Van der Mescht, Gabrillagues (cap.) – P. Alo-Emile, Ivaldi, Abramishvili
Replacements: Peyresblanques, M. Alo-Emile, Azagoh, Habel-Küffner, Nene, Gimbert, Dakuwaqa, Gomez Kodela.
Clermont: Rosier – Delguy, Fouyssac, Heir, Raka – (o) Belleau, (m) Bezy (cap.) – Kremer, Lee, Tixeront – Lavanini, Lanen – Slimani, Fourcade, Falgoux
Substitutes: Beheregaray, Beria, Simmons, Yato, Jauneau, Plisson, Darricarrère, Dzmanashvili.
