The four keys to the success of the French stadium

The uproar in the French stadium. The leader wants to maintain the championship lead. Above all, settling scores with the neighbour, Racing 92’s rival.We haven’t won at home against them since 2017, so the first goal is to win the derby.», asks the CEO of the Parisian club, Thomas Lombard. An ambition shared by Pink Soldiers frontman Paul Gabrielagos. “This match is always very exciting. There are quite a few new players. It is important to instill in them the idea of ​​the derby, that it is a special match, very important for the fans, the players. For the entire club“, asks the second symbolic line of the SFP.

To achieve this, the Parisians have no shortage of arguments, as they are leaders of the top 14 after six days. “We’ve had a great start to the season with these first three games without the new coaches (Laurent Labet and Karim Ghazal, editor’s note) Paul Gabrielagos expands. As a group, it brought us closer. It was important that we players take responsibility. We realize that there are still holes in our game, and we are still getting used to them. But little by little, things started falling into place.» With key strengths already identified.

Copper package

It is not a coincidence that Fabien Galtier, the coach of the Parisian Conquest, chose the former hooker Laurent Semperre, to come and strengthen the XV of France instead of Karim Ghezal, who took the opposite path. Following on from last season, the Stade Français collection continues to impress. He dominates the sidelines and controls the closed crowd (five penalties were collected in this sector against Lyon last Saturday). In rugby, it all starts from the front. With such a group, Stade Français can rely on a solid and strong base, a group that is well organized and organized down to the last detail.

Iron defense

While awaiting the arrival of Laurent Labet and Karim Ghezal, the Englishman Paul Gustard was the one who led the technical team. The defense specialist took the opportunity to tighten the bolts a little more. His experience is such that extending his contract, which will run until June 2024, has been elevated to priority status. The technician is now in Paris until June 2026. The players unanimously welcome his importance in the Parisian system. Demanding and without a filter, his impact on the team’s state of mind is well established.

New in Hinge

Little by little the backbone of the team is built. And with a 37-year-old veteran coming out of retirement to suit up again, the Parisians have found an effective centre-half: Rory Cocot. “He’s a nice person, a good guy. Men who get along well abroad are important. You can feel the group living well on the pitch. Rory is a leader and we need more of them in the team. He brings us a lot about this», appreciates Paul Gabrielagos. Proof of his importance, as a medical clown, he has just seen his freelance work extended until March. at least. It’s time for one of the new signings, New Zealand’s Bard Webber (17 All Blacks caps), to make his mark. Another new arrival, from Pau, is England fly-half Zak Henry. His vision of the game, his individual style and his goalscoring abilities are already valuable. A new looking hinge that will definitely keep moving upwards. Providing great prospects for the Parisian club.

ward, mr

When last season arrived, many were wondering who was Jeremy Ward, who lost out to 2015 South Africa Young Player of the Year? In the jersey of the Durban Sharks, of which he was vice-captain, he became the official substitute for Springbok Lukhanyo AM, hence his desire elsewhere. Jeremy Charles Ward soon succeeded in getting everyone to agree. Strong in defense, valuable in attack with increased counters, always in a good position. To become indispensable in the Parisian attacking center. Even more so at the start of the season as the former Pepe Bok has started all six of the first 14 games and has already scored four tries (6 in 21 games last season). His exemplary state of mind, his determination, and his regular declarations of his love for the Parisian shirt (and the public) make him a favorite of Jean Bouin. His link-up with XV de la Rose centre, Joe Marchant, looks promising. The two players collaborated for the first time in Lyon a week ago. The pair have been brought back to face Racing 92. We can’t wait to see what they will do as their mechanics and standards improve.