La Rochelle hold Stade Francais in stalemate

La Rochelle extended their unbeaten run to six matches as they battled Top 14 title challengers Stade Francais to a 19-19 draw on Friday.

The two points picked up by the visiting side from the capital did take them top of the table but on the same number of points as Toulon and Clermont, who play Saturday at Grenoble and at home to Oyonnax respectively.  

Stade Francais coach Gonzalo Quesada was satisfied to get something from the match after their late comeback.

"We knew that La Rochelle would be a difficult team to break down but I wouldn't say we lost two points, I'd rather say we gained two," said the coach.

"It was important not to pick up any more injuries so two points and no injuries is a good bonus." he added.

A try with seven minutes left from 22-year-old centre Jonathan Danty and the subsequent conversion from French international fly-half Jules Plisson tied the match after La Rochelle had opened up a seven-point lead late in the second half.

Eliott Roudil, who was only included in the starting line-up due to a spate of injuries that have hit the Atlantic coast outfit, had a sensational impact when he touched down for a try in the opening minute.

The teams then traded a series of penalties with Plisson nailing four kicks, plus the crucial conversion late on, after Fabien Fortassin drilled over a drop goal and a third penalty had appeared to see the hosts home.

"We saw a rivalry of the highest level tonight (Friday)," said La Rochelle coach Patrice Collazo.

"We thought Stade Francais would lose intensity towards the end but the Parisians came back into the match which is no surprise because they're near the top of the table.

"The players showed great desire and I don't see the result at two points lost but rather two points gained. We just have to keep working now." added the home coach.

La Rochelle remain tenth in the table but move eight points above the relegation zone with a busy slate on Saturday.
Source: AFP