A dramatic comeback and a controversial finish! That's how you could sum up the European Challenge Cup match between Stade Francais and Exeter Chiefs.
Exeter's 22-point lead evaporated in a blur of penalties and indiscipline, leaving them on the losing end of a thrilling encounter.
Let's dive into the details and uncover the key moments that led to this unexpected outcome.
Stade Francais: 27
Tries: Melikidze, Motassi, Penalty, Laloi
Conversions: Barre
Penalties: Barre
Exeter: 25
Tries: Brown-Bampoe, Sio (2)
Conversions: Slade (2)
Penalties: Slade
Drop Goal: Slade
The game started with a bang as Exeter, riding high on confidence, took an early lead through Paul Brown-Bampoe's try in the 15th minute. Scott Sio's score just before halftime extended their lead to 17-0.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Exeter's discipline began to unravel as Stade Francais ramped up the pressure. Giorgi Melikidze's try soon after the restart signaled the beginning of the comeback. Thibaut Motassi's score further reduced the gap, and Exeter's penalty woes continued.
Two key moments changed the game's trajectory. First, Greg Fisilau's sin-binning for bringing down a maul, followed by Lewis Pearson's similar offence, left Exeter with only 13 men on the field.
And this is the part most people miss...
With Exeter short-handed, Charles Laloi's try put Stade Francais ahead. Henry Slade's drop goal from 35 meters gave Exeter a slim lead, but Leo Barre's penalty four minutes later sealed their fate.
The loss means Exeter remain second in Pool Three, unable to catch up with Stade Francais, who now have a comfortable six-point lead with one game remaining.
Exeter's early tries, courtesy of Brown-Bampoe and Sio, gave them a false sense of security. As the game progressed, both teams struggled to penetrate each other's defenses, with Slade adding a penalty to Exeter's tally.
It was only in the dying moments of the first half that Exeter truly asserted their dominance, with Sio's close-range try. However, Stade Francais responded quickly, with Melikidze's try keeping them in the game.
As the second half unfolded, Exeter's discipline issues became more apparent. Motassi's try, born out of Exeter's successive penalties, further narrowed the gap.
The sin-binnings and penalty try awarded against Exeter changed the momentum completely. Stade Francais capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Laloi's try putting them within striking distance.
Slade's drop goal gave Exeter a glimmer of hope, but Barre's penalty, after another Exeter error, proved to be the final nail in their coffin.
So, what do you think? Was Exeter's loss solely due to their indiscipline, or were there other factors at play? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions 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)
