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Stade Francais run in seven tries for sunny opening to Top 14 / Photo: © AFP
Stade Francais run in seven tries for sunny opening to Top 14
Stade Francais, who finished last season one point above the Top 14 relegation places, kicked off the French club rugby season on Saturday by romping to a 47-24 victory over promoted Montauban.
"Last year was difficult for a lot of the lads. But this season is a new opportunity for the whole team," said home coach Paul Gustard.
On a sunny lunchtime in Paris, Stade started the French season brightly, striking in the first eight minutes with tries by Joe Jonas and Baptiste Pesenti.
Montauban responded by gambling on flinging the ball about. They were rewarded with tries by Josua Vici and Kyllian Ringuet to pull to within two points after 30 minutes.
Their handling errors repeatedly presented Stade, who were much slicker in their passing, with possession.
Yoan Tanga Mangene, Louis Carbonel, summer recruit Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Lucas Peyresblanques touched down for the hosts between the 36th and 56th minutes.
Winger Yvan Reilhac rewarded the visitors' bravery with two late tries but another of Stade's summer recruits, Tani Vili, earned the hosts a bonus point by finishing off a flashy passing move in the 74th minute.
Carbonel failed to convert the last try but goaled the first six to finish with 17 points.
"Conceding seven tries over the long term is not sustainable," said Montauban's Reilhac. "The attack is there, we really need to get our defence sorted."
H.Yoon--SG
