A thrilling comeback and a controversial finish! The European Challenge Cup match between Stade Francais and Exeter Chiefs left everyone on the edge of their seats.
Exeter's 22-point lead evaporated in a blur of penalties and sin-binnings, as Stade Francais snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
Stade Francais: 27 (Tries: Melikidze, Motassi, Penalty, Laloi; Cons: Barre)
Exeter: 25 (Tries: Brown-Bampoe, Sio 2; Cons: Slade 2; Pens: Slade; Drop goal: Slade)
The game started with a bang as Exeter, riding high on confidence, took an early lead with a try from Paul Brown-Bampoe. Scott Sio's try just before halftime extended their lead to 17-0. But here's where it gets controversial...
Exeter's discipline unravelled under pressure, and Stade Francais pounced on their mistakes.
Sio's second try early in the second half seemed to seal the deal for Exeter, but Stade Francais had other ideas. Giorgi Melikidze responded almost immediately, and Thibaut Motassi's try further reduced the gap. Exeter's woes continued as Greg Fisilau and Lewis Pearson were sin-binned for similar offences, leaving them down to 13 men.
Charles Laloi's try put Stade Francais ahead, but Henry Slade's drop goal gave Exeter a slim lead with just minutes left. However, Leo Barre's penalty after another Exeter error sealed their fate.
The loss means Exeter remain second in Pool Three, unable to catch up with Stade Francais, who now have a commanding six-point lead.
Exeter's early tries came from some brilliant individual efforts, but as the game progressed, it was their discipline that let them down. Stade Francais, on the other hand, showed resilience and took full advantage of Exeter's mistakes.
And this is the part most people miss... the impact of the sin-binnings. With two players down, Exeter's defence was stretched thin, allowing Stade Francais to exploit the gaps and secure their bonus-point try.
So, what do you think? Was it Exeter's indiscipline that cost them the game, or did Stade Francais simply outsmart them? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
Teams:
Stade Francais: Jonas; Laloi, Marchant, Vili, Etien; Foursans-Bourdette, Motassi; Iscaro, Nicotera, Alo-Emile, Gabrillagues (capt), Turagacoke, Scelzo, Hirigoyen, Mapu.
Replacements: Garcia Albo, Alo-Emile, Melikidze, Pesenti, Briatte, Delbouis, Abadie, Barre.
Exeter: Woodburn; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Rigg, Brown-Bampoe; Haydon-Wood, Chapman; Sio, Dweba, Tchumbadze, Jenkins (capt), Zambonin, Hooper, Roots, Fisilau.
Replacements: Yeandle, Goodrick-Clarke, Roots, Tuima, Pearson, James, Cairns, Coen.
Yellow cards: Fisilau (64), Pearson (65)
Referee: Craig Evans (Wales)
