In a thrilling encounter at Jean-Bouin, Stade Français secured a much-needed victory against Aviron Bayonnais with a close score of 31-27 on March 22, 2025. With the backdrop of challenging weather, including rain and hail, the match not only showcased the skills of both teams but also underscored the intensity of the competition. Despite the weather playing a role in the match, the spirited performance from both teams drew in an audience of 16,482 enthusiastic spectators.
The starting whistle saw Stade Français quickly take control. Just four minutes into the game, Joe Marchant danced past defenders to score the first try (essai), sending shockwaves through Bayonne's defense. This early excitement continued as Paul Abadie added to the tally with another try at the 14-minute mark, putting Stade Français ahead 12-3.
Bayonne retaliated swiftly, capitalizing on a penalty to score their first points through a kick by Joris Segonds at the 9-minute mark. The resulting tenacity saw Bayonne face its first setback as Romain Briatte was shown a yellow card at the 18th minute for a high tackle, adding to the pressure for the Basque side.
Amidst the back-and-forth action, Bayonne clawed their way back into contention with a penalty try following a dominant maul at the 18-minute mark. Swan Cormenier then surged into the end zone to score a vital try, narrowing the gap with an impressive individual effort.
As the game progressed, it became a showcase of indiscipline and cards. The referee, M. Trainini, gestured for six yellow cards to be issued, crucially affecting both teams' strategies. Bayonne faced additional suspensions for Chouzenoux, Rouet, and Germain, forcing them down to just 12 players at a critical juncture of the match. This scenario, however, played to their advantage as Lucas Martin scored Bayonne's next try, catching Stade Français off-guard amidst their numerical strength.
Despite this mounting pressure, Stade Français managed to regain control with a try by Thibault Motassi in the 62nd minute, expanding their lead to 31-22. Late in the game, Arnaud Erbinartegaray scored for Bayonne in the 76th minute, bringing the score to a nail-biting 31-27. The tension mounted as Bayonne sought a final push for victory but ultimately fell short, unable to capitalize on the final opportunities.
Reflecting on the match, Stade Français celebrated their critical win, which marked their second consecutive victory, providing a cushion above the relegation zone and lifting their spirits. Meanwhile, Aviron Bayonnais left the pitch with a bonus point for their efforts, still firmly in the playoff picture, holding on to their fourth position in the standings.
In the larger context of the Top 14, this match was pivotal not only for the teams involved but also for the league standings. With Racing 92 edging a victory at Clermont (23-21) that same day, the competition for maintaining league standing intensified. This added an extra layer of pressure on both Stade Français and Aviron Bayonnais as they jostled for critical ends to the season.
Stade Français, having invigorated their chances for survival in the league, will aim to capitalize further, having demonstrated resilience under challenging conditions. For Aviron Bayonnais, overcoming their disciplinary issues and refining their strategy will be crucial in their upcoming challenges.
The closing whistle blew with the realization of what had been not just another game, but a match that could redefine the season narrative for both teams, prompting them to strive harder in the chase for the coveted Top 14 title.
