Stade Français Stages Late Rally to Edge Section Paloise 34-32 in Top 14 Thriller
PARIS, France – April 25, 2026 – Stade Français snatched a dramatic 34-32 victory over Section Paloise at Stade Jean-Bouin on Saturday, keeping their hopes alive for a direct qualification to the Top 14 semifinals. The Parisians, who trailed for much of the match, scored a late penalty after the final whistle to secure the win and move within two points of the Basque club in the standings.
The victory was hard-fought against a Pau side hampered by injuries and disciplinary issues. Pau lost captain Beka Gorgadze to a shoulder injury in the 11th minute and winger Théo Attissogbe in the 34th minute, leaving them weakened as the match progressed. Despite their challenges, Pau led 18-10 at halftime after capitalizing on early opportunities.
Stade Français struggled to capitalize on their numerical advantages during the first half. After Pau received yellow cards for Auradou (15th minute) and Montoya (17th minute), leaving them with 13 players for nearly ten minutes, the Parisians failed to score during that span and even conceded six points although playing with extra men.
The turning point came in the second half as Stade Français began to assert dominance in the scrum. Their improved set-piece play allowed them to gain territory and apply pressure, leading to a penalty try awarded in the 17th minute of the second half that brought them within striking distance.
With the scores locked at 32-32 as regulation time expired, Stade Français were awarded a penalty 15 meters from the Pau goalposts. Fly-half Louis Carbonel, who had been instrumental throughout the match, calmly converted the kick to seal the victory.
The result keeps Stade Français in contention for a top-two finish in the Top 14, which would grant automatic qualification to the semifinals. They now sit just two points behind Section Paloise in the standings with several matches remaining in the season.
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