The arrival of Brive, in June for the final day of the Top 14, is undoubtedly one of the worst memories of last season for Stade Français.
A heavy defeat at home (17-33), failed farewells to old grognards Antoine Burban and Yoann Maestri, and a big anger behind the scenes that will have repercussions until this season (Gonzalo Quesada will leave the club in June, Laurent Labit in Karim Ghezal will arrive at the end of 2023).
The motivation was therefore all found for the return of the Corréziens this Saturday on the lawn of Jean-Bouin.
With the big final victory of the Parisians (27-0, three tries scored and offensive bonus in the pocket), the revenge is dazzling.
The Pink Soldiers sign a third victory in a row, which temporarily propels them alone to second place in the standings.
“We had to confirm the success in Pau, insists Mickaël Ivaldi, the Parisian hooker author of the first try from the 5th minute.
We talked a lot about Brive during the week.
It's not exactly a rematch, because it's a new season.
But we continue our momentum.
We have a really good group.
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“We did not reach the level we hoped for”
The Parisians seem to have ignored the big behind-the-scenes maneuvers to focus on the pitch.
After a rather dull first period concluded with a 10-point lead, Paul Gabrillagues' teammates managed to avoid the return of the Brivistes, to take shelter on the hour mark with a try scored by Léo Barré.
The youngster trained in Massy, as comfortable at the back as at the opening, has made himself indispensable this season with this mixture of power and elegance.
“At only 20 years old… He's incredible, he's the future of the club,” admits winger Harry Glover, admiringly.
After a miss in the in-goal from Macalou, Paris will finally win their attacking bonus ten minutes from the end.
All without conceding a single point in the end.
What delight the defense coach, the Englishman Paul Gustard?
Not exactly.
“As a coach I am frustrated first, he breathes.
We did not reach the level we hoped for.
Now, if we compare to last year, it's true that we lost against Brive 17-33, and there we win 27-0.
We are progressing”.
Beware, however, of this sham series, with these three successes of course, but against Perpignan, Pau and Brive, who will undoubtedly fight to maintain it.
The two matches which are announced outside against the last two champions of France, Montpellier and Toulouse, will undoubtedly be of another level.
“With all due respect to Brive, we'll have to take it up a notch,” admits Gustard.
This vengeful Stade Français is capable of it.
MATCH SHEET
Stade Français - Brive 27-0
(Halftime 10-0)
9366 spectators.
French Stadium.
3 tries (Ivaldi 5th, Barré 58th, Castets 69th).
3 transformations (Segonds 6th, 59th, 70th).
1 penalty (Segonds 15th).