Rugby story by Brian Watters, Sat, 21 Jan 2006 22:16:00 GMT


PARIS - The Ospreys experienced their biggest defeat in the Heineken Cup when they were beaten 45-10 by Stade Francais last night. The win kept qualification hopes alive for Stade Francais, who finished second in Pool Three, but a massive seven tries ensured that they have a chance of going through as the best runners-up.

Two tries from Yohann Montes and one each from Benjamin Kayser, Juan Martin Hernandez, David Skrela, Alain Penaud and Pierre Rabadan ensured that Stade picked up a bonus point as well. But they still lagged behind Leicester who beat Clermont on a bonus point to finish on top of Pool Three.

The young Osprey side was unprepared for the attack from Stade and despite a penalty conversion by Shaun Connor and a try that followed by Matthew Jones, they ended up massive losers on the night. Going into this game, Stade were aware of the fact that a bonus point was a must and they had it by half time. This actually allowed players on either side to relax and enjoy the game.

The scoring was started by fly half Penaud, who converted in the seventh minute after the video official had disallowed Sylvain Marconnet's attempt. Stade went into half time at 24-3 and it was clear that they were not done yet. Stade continued in the same vein in the second half and earned a great win that could still keep them alive in the competition.

Ospreys coach Lyn Jones acknowledged that his young side were outplayed, "We're obviously very disappointed with the result but you have to say that the better team won on the day. We always knew this would be a very big challenge with Stade pushing to make the last eight and that's exactly what it was," he said.

Stade Francais president Max Guazzini said his team had turned in a professional display, "I am very proud of my players who were very professional and did the job that was required tonight against the Ospreys. They did exactly what had to be done in scoring many tries."

Match Details
Referee: Chris White (England)

Stade Francais: Hernandez; Corleto, Skrela, Messina, Dominici; Penaud, Fillol; Marconnet, Kayser, De Villiers, Auradou (capt), James, Rabadan, Martin, Sowerby.
Substitutes: Parisse for Martin (27), Williams for Fillol (47), Sarramea for Skrela (47), Blin for Kayser (56), Montes for De Villiers (56), Marchois for James (63).

Ospreys: Cashmore; Terblanche, Parker, Davies, Mustoe; Connor, Rees; D. Jones (Capt.), Hibbard, A. Jones; Newman, Bateman; Bater, Beach, Thomas.
Substitutes: A. Bishop for Davies (51), Wells for Rees (55), Griffiths for A. Jones (60), M. Jones for Connor (64), Bennett for Hibbard (67), Millward for D. Jones (77).

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