Led by fourteen points (3 tries to 0) after half an hour, the Parisians got out of a badly started situation against the defending vice-champions of France who lacked opportunism at the end of the match and have sinned by their ineffectiveness in front of the poles, a recurring problem.

This fifth victory, for seven defeats, allows the Pink Soldiers to climb to tenth place in the standings and are now five points ahead of the last two, Perpignan and Biarritz.

The Rochelais stadium, it remains fifth and therefore in the qualifying zone for the final phase.

To hope for better, the Yellow and Black will have to resolve their problems away from home.

They have only won one game so far away from home, as they have won five of the six games played at home.

"It was quite easy for 30 minutes but a match lasts 80 minutes. It's frustrating," responded La Rochelle manager Ronan O'Gara.

Captain Pierre Bourgarit and his partners had taken the match by the right end, leading by fourteen points (20-6), after achievements from Bourdeau, Retière and Rhule.

But the Parisians, in difficulty in conquest and lack of possession, woke up suddenly taking advantage of an opponent's release and loss of ball.

The South African winger of La Rochelle, Raymond Rhule, scores the third try against the Stade Français, at the end of the 12th day of the Top 14, on December 5, 2021 at the Stade Jean-Bouin in Paris Anne-Christine POUJOULAT AFP

Fijian center Waisea Nayacalevu rushed into the breach to score a brace in three minutes!

The opener Joris Segonds did the rest in front of the poles to allow his team to equalize, just before the break (20-20).

The Fijian center of the Stade Français Waisea Nayacalevu Vuidravuwalu tries to escape the tackles of two players from La Rochelle, at the end of the 12th day of the Top 14, December 5, 2021 at the Stade Jean-Bouin in Paris Anne-Christine POUJOULAT AFP

The Rochelle opening half and former Parisian Jules Plisson could bite his fingers for missing three kicks (1 penalty, 2 conversions, 2/6 at the end).

The French Stadium continued its momentum after returning from the locker room, taking advantage of an opposing numerical inferiority after the yellow card inflicted on Eneriko Buliruarua.

Winger Lester Etien, receiving a superb jump pass from Segonds, gave his team a third try and gave them the advantage (25-20).

La Rochelle had two opportunities to take control in the last five minutes.

But Bulirurua saw the ball slip between his legs very close to the in-goal.

Then he was denied a try for offside.

The Stade Français could push a big sigh of relief.

© 2021 AFP