Frustrated Stade Francais face fired-up Cardiff Blues
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After meeting in the Champions Cup four times previously, this will mark the first time that Cardiff Blues and Stade Francais lock horns under the banner of the Challenge Cup.
Cardiff made a great start of it in the first round, putting away the much applauded Newcastle Falcons – who have taken the Premiership by storm this season – with a final score of 33-20.
Stade were not as impressive in their clash with Benetton, hosted by the former. The French outfit were seen as firm favourites going into this encounter and were expected to take the victory but nothing could have prepared them for the surprise that Benetton sprang – running out 44-20 winners after a great display of rugby.
Needless to say, Stade will find themselves very frustrated and eager going into Round 2, although they will be shown no quarter by the rampant Welshmen who will look to mirror and/or improve their performance from last week.
Added to Stade’s troubles will be the fact that Cardiff have won 14 of their last 16 games at Rodney Parade.
Stade will also have to watch their discipline as Cardiff’s goal kicker, Jarrod Evans is on top form – slotting all his kicks at goal last weekend.
Cardiff have been pretty mediocre in thePro14 competition with 3 wins from 8 outings, but they appear to have grabbed the proverbial bull by the horns as far as the Challenge Cup is concerned.
Stade have not fared badly in the Top14 thus far with 6 victories from their 9 fixtures and currently occupy 5th spot on the log. It is clear that they have it in them to perform well, though the events of Round 1 make this one hard to predict, giving it an interesting edge.
