Late show saves Stade Français blushes

Stade Français temporarily closed the gap on the leading duo as they claimed a nerve-racking 13-9 win over lowly Dax at Stade Maurice Boyau on Friday.

Stade Français temporarily closed the gap on the leading duo as they claimed a nerve-racking 13-9 win over lowly Dax at Stade Maurice Boyau on Friday.

High-fliers Toulouse and Clermont are currently inseparable at the Top 14 summit with Stade now just nine points off the pace having played one game extra due to this result.

The visitors had got off to a perfect start when an early try from wing Djibril Camara looked to be the makings of a romp for Fabien Galthié's men.

However, in a low scoring affair, three penalties from Dax full-back Laurent Diaz pushed the hosts ahead 9-5 on 51 minutes.

Yet the possibility of a huge upset seemed to send shockwaves through the Parisians as the game entering its closing stages.

With nine minutes remaining on the clock, a crucial score from the Italian captain and number eight Sergio Parisse, followed by a late drop-goal from star Juan Martin Hernandez spared their blushes.

The scorers:

For Dax:
Pens: Diaz 3

For Stade Français:
Tries: Camara, Parisse
Drop: Hernandez

Referee: M. Dubès