Ulster v Stade

dreamer_ire

Stade Francais hammer Ulster
by Arthur Sullivan, 11 October 2008


Stade Francais thrashed a gallant Ulster 26-10 at Ravenhill in the Heineken Cup on Saturday with a slick performance of power and poise.
Guillaume Bousses and Dimitri Szarzewski got the tries for the visitors while Argentinean star Juan Martin Hernandez delivered a masterclass, kicking two drop-goals and generally controlling play.
Ulster fought hard and battled throughout against a side who many are tipping for glory in the competition, and Paddy Wallace finished with a late try for the home side.
Stade Francais were slicker from the outset and they cut quite a dash in their striking pink kit in the opening quarter.
The central genius of Hernandez was guiding all their moves and he went close with an early attempt at a drop goal as Ulster were struggling to close him down.
Hernandez was successful a few moments later though with another effort and Stade moved ahead.
Lionel Beauxis kicked a penalty for the away side soon after but the defining score of the game followed quickly.
A strong spell of Stade Francais pressure ended with Hernandez showing clarity of thought to eventually release Guillaume Bousses who raced over gracefully.
Beauxis added the extras and then minutes later, Hernandez struck another drop-goal, even though he seemed to have scuffed it. That made the score 16-0 to the visitors.
Ulster had a strong spell close to the Stade line shortly before half-time and they came close to crossing twice but on both occasions they lacked the punch to make it count.
Ulster came out after the break roared on by the Ravenhill faithful and they continued to fight hard, although they simply lacked the cutting edge to break through.
The home side got their first score of the day on 50 minutes when Niall O'Connor smacked over a penalty from distance.
However, Stade Francais's dominance was always just a gear change away and short of the hour mark they cemented the win.
Composed build-up play ended up with Mathieu Bastareaud showing superb strength to break a number of tackles and get to the line.
O'Connor pulled him down but Szarzewski got his hands on the ball after a quick recycle and forced it over. Beauxis kicked the conversion sweetly over and it was 23-3 to Stade.
Beauxis then added a drop goal of his own to rub further salt in the Ulster wounds.
Ulster never stopped trying though, and they got the try their gritty effort deserved on 72 minutes.
O'Connor kicked through for the onrushing Wallace after a sharp break and the centre finished well to cap a fine individual display in front of Ireland boss Declan Kidney.
Ulster had a few more line breaks before the end but Stade waltzed home, with Hernandez conducting matters to the finish.

Inquitus

Easiest handicap bet of the weekend that was - Stade -9

dreamer_ire

Ulster tried and tried but it just wasn't there... too many basic errors, no real game plan and a lack of support when the one or two players who played well made attacks. Stade played in 3rd gear for the whole game, completely confident throughout. They were constantly looking for drop kicks and some of them were class. No idea where Ulster are going but the calls for Williams to leave appear to be getting louder

louthandproud

To be fair Ulster gave a pretty good account of themselves given form coming into this game, it took some gallant defending from SF to prevent Ulster scoring another try or two.

Stade did look impressive though both in defense and going forward. Three drop goals too which were all beauties.

Brewster

Paddy Wallace had a great game. Has really improved as a player over the past 24 months and hopefully he will get all the credit he deserves. I think he is the best number 12 we have in the country currently, and Id like to see him get another chance with Drico who I thought looked very sharp today allbeit against a poor Edinburgh.

louthandproud

Brewster wrote: »

Paddy Wallace had a great game. Has really improved as a player over the past 24 months and hopefully he will get all the credit he deserves. I think he is the best number 12 we have in the country currently, and Id like to see him get another chance with Drico who I thought looked very sharp today allbeit against a poor Edinburgh.

Plus 1.

Paddy Wallace was immense today and was almost MOTM winner on Sky. Challenging for Ireland again maybe?

dreamer_ire

louthandproud wrote: »

Paddy Wallace was immense today and was almost MOTM winner on Sky. Challenging for Ireland again maybe?

Absolutely Wallace was a class act today, far and away the best Ulster player on the pitch! His try was well deserved and everytime he had ball in hand he was looking to push forward. Great to see him back and playing so well... perfect timing with DK looking on!

Nursy

Ahh...I am delighted...yeahh

Zand

Brewster wrote: »

Paddy Wallace had a great game. Has really improved as a player over the past 24 months and hopefully he will get all the credit he deserves. I think he is the best number 12 we have in the country currently, and Id like to see him get another chance with Drico who I thought looked very sharp today allbeit against a poor Edinburgh.

Yes Paddy Wallace had a terrific game, I always argue he is underestimated.