Clermont stunned by Stade as final jinx continues
The Stade de France hosted yet another stunning final on Saturday night – unfortunately, that adjective only really applies to the result, as opposed to the quality of rugby, as Stade battled their way to a deserved 12 – 6 win to become Top 14 Champions. Like Saracens in the Premiership, it was a feat they managed despite finishing fourth in the league and Stade fans will be hoping the win signifies the re-emergence of one of the European powerhouses that has lain dormant for the last decade.
For Clermont, unofficially the side in France and arguably Europe for that decade, their Finals record now stands at ‘played 12, lost 11′; it tells us that, for all their talent, they effectively have all the nerve of a severely paranoid bunny rabbit.
As for the game itself, there’s not a huge amount to report to be honest. Julien Bardy got himself sinbinned for a dangerous no-arms hit in a tackle, and during that period Morne Steyn nudged over six points for Stade. A very crucial six points, as it would turn out. Morgan Parra, however, couldn’t hit a barn door and missed several straight forward attempts at goal before Camille Lopez got Clermont off the mark. The men in yellow, though, were feeling the loss of Wesley Fofana and Jonathan Davies in the centres, which is understandable, although we weren’t quite perhaps expecting the usually rampant attack to regress to ‘utterly ineffectual’ – down in large part to Stade’s physical defence.
Steyn and Brock James traded penalties in the second period but Clermont just couldn’t get the break they needed, summed up by their coughing up of possession in the dying minutes after Nick Abendanon had sparked a late attack. Steyn put the final nail in the coffin and Stade were deserved – if surprising – winners on the day… and who’s going to begrudge Sergio Parisse a major trophy?
Top 14 Star Man: Morne Steyn – he may be the most boring player in world rugby, but boy is he effective and he was the difference here.
Waratahs to enjoy week off as Carter and McCaw bow out in style
With the play-off sides already determined going into the final week, it would be easy to think that the games would be just a bit of a procession – but home advantage, and a bye from the first play-off round, were all to play for.
Of particular interest was the Aussie conference, where the Brumbies were battling the Waratahs for top spot, but the Canberra outfit were undone by a Crusaders team missing out on the end of season playoffs for the first time in 14 years but determined to send off legends Dan Carter (Racing Metro) and Richie McCaw (alleged retirement) in style. And they did just that, with giant wing Nemani Nadolo leading the charge with two superb tries as part of a bonus point 34 – 27 win, despite the now trademark Brumbies rolling maul claiming three scores in response. The material outcome of this was that the Brumbies must now travel to South Africa to face the Stormers, despite the SA conference winners going down against the Sharks in Durban.
The Brumbies’ defeat meant that the Waratahs were always going to be top of the Aussie conference, but a comfortable 31 – 5 win (which saw a try for the returning Dean Mumm) ensured they get a week off next week. The big win came after an eye-bleedingly bad first half where the hosts were leading just 3 – 0, before finally finding their stride and cutting loose in the second period, with Jacques Potgieter finishing off a ridiculous break from Israel Folau to score one of the tries of the weekend.
Elsewhere, the Cheetahs belatedly impressed with their first ever win in Pretoria to overcome the Bulls, whilst the table-topping Hurricanes continued the theme of away victories with a win against the playoff-making Chiefs, whose defeat meant that the Highlanders were able to take a home quarter final spot with a big win in Auckland against the Blues. The Force also finished a miserable season on a high with a narrow win in Melbourne against the Rebels.
Super Rugby star man: Matt Todd
‘Mini’ Heavyweight Clash in Store Today
Well, it didn’t exactly happen over the weekend but I should point out that the under 20 World Cup semi final spots have been finalised and will take place later today – England have qualified despite a loss to France as the best runners up and so take on South Africa in a repeat of last year’s final, whilst favourites New Zealand face Les Bleus.
Find the time to watch that, a proper Monday night treat.
Villain of the Weekend: This goes to Clermont flanker Julien Bardy for a stupid, pointless and dangerous shoulder charge. Yellow card. Six points to the opposition. His team loses the title by six points. Silly boy.
Try of the Weekend: Nemani Nadolo has scored some freakish tries this season but his second against the Brumbies was right up there with the best. Like an overly-competitive dad playing against his kids.
Video credit: For You
Hero of the Weekend: Considered by many to be one of the finest players of his generation, the unfortunate fact he is Italian and has played for an flailing club side (over the last 8 years, anyway) means we haven’t seen Sergio Parisse with too many trophies in hand. Seeing the big man finally raise the Top 14 trophy would have raised a smile on the face of every neutral, and perhaps even begrudgingly on the odd Clermont fan’s.
By Mike Cooper (@RuckedOver)
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
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