“It's their job that allowed us to dream again.
"After the great victory of Stade Français against Lyon (46-27, May 28), which opened the doors of the Top 6 to his men, Gonzalo Quesada paid tribute" to the hard work of the medical staff and physical preparation ".
"There are four players who would never have been able to play because of muscle problems a few days ago," he said.
And, finally, some even lasted eighty minutes!
“The chest of the Parisians also did good at the end of the stifling match Saturday, June 5 in Bayonne (12-9).
The pack of the Pink Soldiers was able to overthrow the Basques on the last decisive scrum, synonymous with qualification.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Stade Français Paris (@stade_francais_paris)
What is the secret of this brilliant physical condition which will be decisive this Friday (8:45 p.m.) at La Défense Arena, for the shock against Racing 92, in the Top 14 jump-off? "It is the fruit of a whole year of teamwork," says Stephan Du Toit, the Parisian physical trainer. With Gonzalo, we didn't know each other, but we quickly knew how to work together. We also recovered a trainer from the Saracens in London. We involved the doctors, physiotherapists, and the players of course. And during the confinement, we worked like never before, three to four sessions per week. The players have invested a lot. "Result:" According to our data, about fifteen players have increased their strength and power this season, "said the South African who arrived in Paris in 2018 in the luggage of Heyneke Meyer and remained after his departure.
Prepared for the international level
Example with Pierre-Henri Azagoh, the young and promising second row from Massy, still a little tender for the Top 14. “He played very little at the start of the season, but did bodybuilding for eight months.
When he was launched against Racing, he was ready, explains Du Toit.
The objective of the Stade Français is indeed to “prepare at the international level, not only for the Top 14, the whole group of players, not only the holders, but also the players who are 4th or 5th in their position.
They even work more than those who play.
It is psychologically difficult, but it is essential.
"
🤝 #Officiel The club are happy to announce the signing of @PH_Azagoh for the next two seasons!
more info on https://t.co/fhY8HxGnu7#AzagohEstRose #SFParis pic.twitter.com/2ZIMOFR3E9
- Stade Français Paris (@SFParisRugby) May 29, 2019
The result was reflected on the field with a streak of six consecutive victories. “They put a lot of commitment, they are very dominant in the ground phases, recognized Pierre Mignoni, the Lyon manager, after his defeat to Jean-Bouin. In the fight, on the offensive tackles, they knew how to do a little more than us, it must be recognized. “At the level of the scrum also, the Stade Français hurt. "It has become one of their strengths," observes Sébastien Bruno, former international hooker and now coach of the France Under-20 team. They were dominating, with powerful players in the front row (Alo-Emile, Latu, Kakovin), a second row of pushers, a lot of experience. This can make the difference in close matches as well as in the final stages. "
But against Racing on Friday, it will still be a cut above. Will the Parisian organizations hold the shock? “We don't overflow with gasoline,” admits Gonzalo Quesada. This six-game sprint will leave its mark. Each time we came out with two or three wounded. "For Friday, the Stade Français is likely to do without the second row Yoann Maestri and the third row Antoine Burban," very uncertain ", according to Quesada. The Parisians, however, were able to cope in the decisive matches without their big arms Maestri, Kremer or Macalou. “We are still capable of working miracles,” promises Stephan Du Toit. “In the scrum sector, the Stade Français seems a little stronger, says Sébastien Bruno. Even though every game and every scrum is different. We must always remain humble. "
