Top 14: La Rochelle held to 19-19 draw by Stade Francais
Last Updated: 10/04/15 11:27pm
La Rochelle extended their unbeaten run to six matches as they held Top 14 title challengers Stade Francais to a 19-19 draw.
The two points picked up by the visitors takes them top of the table but on the same number of points as Toulon and Clermont, who play Saturday at Grenoble and at home to Oyonnax respectively.
Jonathan Danty’s 73rd-minute try, which was converted by Jules Plisson, tied the match after La Rochelle had opened up a seven-point lead late in the second half.
Eliott Roudil, who was only included in the starting line-up due to a spate of injuries that have hit La Rochelle, had a sensational impact when he touched down for a try in the opening minute.
The teams then traded a series of penalties with Plisson nailing four kicks, plus the crucial conversion late on, after Fabien Fortassin drilled over a drop goal and a third penalty had appeared to see the hosts home.
"We saw a rivalry of the highest level tonight," said La Rochelle coach Patrice Collazo. "We thought Stade Francais would lose intensity towards the end but the Parisians came back into the match which is no surprise because they're near the top of the table.
"The players showed great desire and I don't see the result as two points lost but rather two points gained. We just have to keep working now.”
