Before facing La Rochelle on home soil on the next day, the Stade Français is rubbing shoulders this Saturday (2:45 p.m.) with another big of the Top 14 who are used to occupying the first places in the classification.
After an inconstant start to the season, Bordeaux-Bègles (5th) seems to have found the right rhythm and remains on five matches without defeat (4 wins, 1 draw).
The Parisians (8th) would be well inspired to imitate their regional rival, Racing 92, the only team to have won at Chaban-Delmas this season (17-12).
Three things to know before the meeting.
A full infirmary
Parisian manager Gonzalo Quesada did not hide his concern in the middle of the week, when it came to assessing the condition of his troops.
“Without exaggerating, I hope we will have 23 players to go to Bordeaux.
As I speak to you, this is not the case.
“Not spared by the Covid-19 at the start of the season, the Parisian workforce is this time affected by a cascade of injuries, with fifteen players on the mat, or a whole team.
"I am worried without any tongue in cheek," added the Argentine.
His concerns are mainly on the front line and center positions.
At the post of left pillar, Béthune, Clément, Mavinga, Melikidze and Camara are unavailable.
Only Kakovin seems fit.
To the absence of Gaël Fickou, retained with the XV of France for the trip to Ireland, are added those of Macalou (concussion), Burban (shoulder), Danty (thigh) and Waisea and Delbouis.
Paris does not travel in the best conditions and without its executives.
Ah, still good news: after his suspension for three yellow cards received, the Argentinian Pablo Matera finds his teammates.
💬 Joris Segonds: “Deliver a good rugby match”
📺 The press conference before the trip to @ UBBrugby this Saturday at 14:45 👇 # UBBSFP pic.twitter.com/Tfq203kr1c
- Stade Français Paris (@SFParisRugby) February 11, 2021
The stadium is losing its taste for travel
Under these conditions, it would be astonishing for Parisians to improve their balance sheet abroad.
The two beatings against Toulon and Toulouse are still remembered.
As well as the last setback in Montpellier (31-6).
Rather successful in Jean-Bouin (6 wins, current series), the Stadium loses its means on the move (6 defeats in as many games).
How to explain these roller coasters?
“We want to show outside that we can be as precise as at home” and “correct the small details”, assures the Parisian second line Paul Gabrillagues.
The first steps of Léo Barré?
Substitute at kick-off at the Chaban-Delmas stadium, Léo Barré, an international under-20, could make his big debut with Stade Français.
The 18-year-old opening half, originally from Versailles and then trained at the hopeful pole of Lakanal high school in Sceaux, arrived this summer from Massy after five seasons in Essonne.
Barré follows the same trajectory as Macalou or Delbouis, also passed by Massy.
Bordeaux-Bègles - French Stadium
Stade Chaban-Delmas, Saturday February 13 at 2:45 p.m.
Referee: Sébastien Minery
Bordeaux-Bègles:
Buros - Delguy, Mignot, Uberti, Lam - (o) Botica, (m) Lucu - Petti, Tauleigne, Higginbotham - Marais, Cazeaux - Cobilas, Maynadier, Poirot (cap.)
French stadium:
Hamdaoui - Veainu, Arrate, Etien, Lapegue - (o) Segonds, (m) Coville - Grobler, Gray, Matera - Kremer, Gabrillagues - P. Alo-Emile (cap.), Latu, Kakovin.