Stade keeps pressure on Toulouse
TOP 14 WRAP: Stade Francais ran in six tries to defeat Pau 37-3 on Saturday, racking up a third consecutive Top 14 victory to stay on the trail of leaders Toulouse.
After wins over European champions La Rochelle and Racing92, Stade were shackled by Pau in the first half and led by just 8-3 at the interval.
They took advantage of a yellow card for Samoan centre Tumua Manu in the early stages to grab the opening try by Australian winger Sione Tui.
Back row forward Giovanni Habel Kuffner, hooker Lucas Peyresblanques, wing Lester Estien, South African centre Jeremy Ward and scrum-half compatriot James Hall all scored in the second period to secure a bonus point.
Stade are now just two points behind Toulouse who face Clermont on Sunday.
Castres had to battle back from 26-13 down to draw 26-26 with Racing92 and preserve their two-year undefeated home record, a run of 28 matches.
Castres, last season’s runners-up, were indebted to the boot of Benjamin Urdapilleta who kicked 53rd and 56th minute penalties to eat into the deficit.
Scrum-half Gauthier Doubrere then grabbed a converted try on the hour mark to bring the scores level.
Urdapilleta had the chance to win the game in the last moments but his drop goal attempt missed the target.
“We managed to remain undefeated at home against a very good Racing team,” said Castres’ backs coach David Darricarrere.
“We had to retain our strength of character after coming back from 13 points. This desire is exceptional.”
Bayonne made it seven wins in seven with a 23-18 win against Toulon while La Rochelle saw off Perpignan 29-10.
International winger Teddy Thomas scored two of La Rochelle’s tries.
Perpignan played the entire second half with 14 men after skipper Mathieu Acebes was red-carded.
“We had a complicated week after the defeat against Bordeaux. We had two solid days of training, it was like an electric shock,” said Thomas.
“We were able to raise the bar fairly quickly but against Toulouse next week, it will be necessary to step-up individually. We have to be consistent over 80 minutes.”
Lyon wing Ethan Dumortier scored a season-leading eighth try of the campaign.
However, Lyon still slumped to a fifth consecutive defeat, a 30-27 home loss against Brive.
