Rampant Stade stay in contention with five-try romp

STADE FRANCAIS remain in with a shot at the Challenge Cup quarter-finals after beating Pau 35-14.

A try from centre Gael Fickou gave the hosts an early lead, but Pau applied pressure on the Stade’s defence to earn a penalty try and see the first 40 end even. After the break, however, tries from back three duo Tony Ensor and Julien Arias then stacked the game in Stade’s favour, though Pau replied through Antoine Hastoy.

But replacement back Alex Arrate sealed the try bonus point and Morne Steyn put the match beyond doubt. Pool 4 leaders La Rochelle have planted one foot in the next stage of the competition after they eased past Zebre 32-12.

It wasn’t an easy start for the French hosts who couldn’t hold Gabriele Di Giulio and Maxime Mbanda at bay for first-half Zebre scores.

But a four-try glut in the second 40 minutes courtesy of Dany Priso, Arthur Retiere, Levani Botia and Hikario Forbes rallied La Rochelle to victory. Visitors BordeauxBegles got the better of

Perpignan 34-27 to keep their hopes alive.

Twelve points from Ireland’s playmaker Paddy Jackson did little to affect the scoreboard as Yann Lesgourgues, Cam Woki, George Tisley, Nicolas Plazy and Afaesetiti Amosa all ran in tries.

A hat-trick from scrumhalf Tito Tebaldi powered

Benetton Treviso to a 38-24 win over French outfit Agen.

Tommaso Iannone and Illiesa Ratuva also crossed for the Italians.