Paris (AFP)
A victory on the wire to evacuate the frustration: Racing won at the end of the suspense the Ile-de-France derby (27-25) on the ground of the French Stadium, Saturday during the 6th day of Top 14, putting behind him the defeat in the final of the European Cup last weekend against Exeter (31-27).
As a symbol in these times of international meetings which deprive Racing of nine of its players, it is Antoine Gibert, 22 years old and trained at the club, who offered the victory to the Hauts-de-Seine club on a penalty in all end of the match (80th + 4).
"The fact that it is him, the little boy of the club, who gives us the victory, it's really happy for him", greeted the captain of the day, the center Henry Chavancy, at the microphone of Canal + Décalé.
The Blue and White were already leading 11-6 at halftime, thanks in particular to what was then the only try of the match, by their winger Dorian Laborde (33rd).
But, if the Hauts-de-Seine club finished the first period stronger than its rival, it was the Stade Français which started the second with the best intentions.
The host club returned to the front thanks to a try, transformed this one, from pillar Tolu Latu (44th), before bringing the score to 22-11 on penalties from Segonds (49th, 54th, 57th), author in total of 20 stitches per foot.
Jostled, Racing ended up waking up.
By a penalty from Maxime Machenaud, first (67th), then by a try from Chavancy (72nd), transformed by the same Machenaud.
Coming back to a point, they stuck to this stoppage penalty, transformed by their young opener.
"A rather exceptional end to the game," said Chavancy.
With this victory at the end of the suspense, its third in four Top 14 meetings this season, Racing is back to sixth place, despite one or two games behind its opponents.
Now the Blues and Whites can concentrate on France, and thus forget about Europe.
© 2020 AFP