Who could have predicted, last June, when Stade Français remained in the Top 14 on the final day, that it would fight for first place five months later? Not many people, and probably not even the players and staff, who were coming out of a nightmare season.
But here they are, all dashing, after 5 victories in 8 days, scrapping in the heights of the Top 14. Alongside Toulouse, the only other team with 25 points, Paul Gustard’s men hope to achieve a new feat on the Occitan lawn to seize the leader’s place alone.
10 Toulouse residents called up to the Blues
The task will not be easy, obviously, even if the international period can help them. There are 10 Toulouse residents to have been summoned to Fabien Galthié’s list, including Romain Ntamack, Thomas Ramos and Thibaud Flament. To which must be added the foreigners selected in their respective nations and the injured, like Antoine Dupont.
On the Ile-de-France side, only Léo Barré will be missing, potentially called upon to play a role against South Africa. With all these absences, Stade Français has cards to play with Ernest Wallon, even if it remains on three consecutive defeats against the Toulouse ogre. It is now up to them to break the bad streak.
The Toulouse – Stade Français meeting will be broadcast this Saturday, October 1 on Canal +. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m.
