Stade Francais' Fickou Impresses Once Again

Another tight game between these two French heavy weights. This time it went right down to the wire as Sekou Macalou dotted in the 77th minute to guarantee Stade Francais second play on the Top 14 log. While they were the side with the upper hand at Stade Jean-Bouin, playing in front of the home crowd, it was Aaron Cruden who kept the away side in the game for the majority of the game showing the form that earned him 50 All Black caps.

Gael Fickou was the pick of the performers tonight as he continued the fine form he has shown for his new club this season. The top performers for tonight’s performance are:

Sekou Macalou - Stade Francais

While the 22 year old Frenchman will be disappointed that he won’t be able to add to his one international cap, his performance tonight did not reflect any sort of disappointment. Blown early for an infringement at the scrum but that was pretty much all he could have done wrong. A try in the 76th minute ensured an all-round performance by the open side flanker. Once again he was instrumental on defence as he appeared in the top tackle count for the evening.

Aaron Cruden - Montpellier

He did really well to show a high level of temperament as he quickly wiped off a bad start to his evening. While he may not have performed particularly well thus far in his debut season, his performance tonight showed glimpses of the Cruden we have come to know. 15 of his sides 20 points included a try which he created and finished. A neat chip which was gathered by Wiaan Liebenberg found Cruden ran through untouched. His kicks out of hand were also brilliant tonight. Nearly did just enough to see his side through. 

Gael Fickou - Stade Francais

His performance tonight has proved to many why Toulouse could not keep this man on their payroll. At the tender age of 24, Fickou showed great signs of maturity tonight not only to score at the stroke of half time, but also for his eye for the gap and his decision making on attack. His try came when the scores were level and when his side needed it most - at the stroke of half time. It was his run in the 76th minute that explains why his coach compares him to Springbok legend Bryan Habana as he split the defence and did well to hold onto the ball instead of popping it. This was the run that led to the winning try two phases later.