Friday 29 May 2015 23:21, UK
Stade Francais outclassed Parisian rivals Racing-Metro 38-15 in their Top 14 play-off clash to set up a semi-final showdown with powerhouses Toulon.
Absent from the final phase of the French championships since 2009, Stade showed sparks of their former glory days to stay in the running for a 14th title and first since 2007.
Gonzalo Quesada's side must first get past reigning champions Toulon next Friday or Saturday in Bordeaux to keep their bid for a place in the June 13 final alive.
Racing-Metro left the Jean-Bouin Stadium with the sentiment of having come up short yet again, having been beaten three times by Stade Francais this season.
Waisea Nayacalevu got Stade off the mark with a try after 10 minutes and a second penalty try after 34 minutes following the sin-binning of prop Luc Ducalcon put the hosts on their way.
And it was a 10 out of 10 night for South Africa scrum-half Morne Steyn, who kicked eight penalties and two conversions to the delight of the home crowd.
For Racing Metro the only bright spark was an excellent try from scrum-half Maxime Machenaud just before the break to leave them trailing 17-7 but with lingering hopes of a second half fightback.
Wales centre Jamie Roberts touched down for a try on 67 minutes, with Ireland fly-half Jonathan Sexton adding a penalty and a conversion, but it wasn't enough as Racing's international stars failed to live up to their billing.
Minnows Oyonnax face the tough task of heading to 19-time French champions Toulouse on Saturday, with the winner meeting Clermont in the other semi-final.
