London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
By Mark W-J
October 9 2012
When our children start a new school in September, Parents’ Evening gives us an opportunity to find out how they’re settling-in to their new environment. London Welsh fans can take comfort in the fact that their boys are making lots of new friends, and are slowly but surely acclimatising to their new surroundings, and showing every indication of achieving pass marks next spring.
Only the most optimistic London Welsh fan would have dared to suggest that we would reach this stage of the season with two wins and ten points in the bag. To put our achievements into context, Worcester had to wait five matches to get a first win under their belt back in 2004-05, dispatching Harlequins 33-7 at Sixways at the beginning of October, and not achieving a second victory - and first away win - until round ten, when they won 17-6 at Northampton. Yet by the end of that season they had won nine matches to finish the season in 9th place, with 42 points, as Harlequins were relegated. But Quins’ six wins and 38 points that season represent the best playing record of any team to be relegated from the top flight since bonus points were introduced in 2000-01; in four of the last twelve seasons the bottom-placed club has accrued fewer than 20 points over the course of the season.
Our ten points to-date have been gained from a punishing fixture list which includes matches against five of the current top six clubs. Our only game against bottom-half opposition was at Sale, who find themselves in danger of being cast adrift, a phrase which was used to describe our prospects by more than one respected rugby journalist. To be fair, Sale’s fixtures have been almost as tough as ours, the Sharks having faced four of the top six; but Exeter, on the other hand, are sixth in the table having also played four of the teams above them. And while the bottom six clubs have only claimed ten wins between them, just two have been achieved against clubs in the top half - by Welsh against Exeter, and London Irish versus Northampton. We have conceded more tries (19) than any other club, but eleven of those were scored in the opening two rounds, with eight following in the last four games, and last Sunday we became the first team to cross Saracens’ line twice this season, and scored more points (23) than any other team they have faced so far - a list which includes Harlequins, Leicester and Exeter.
Jon Mills
Inspirational captain and a prince among men
And so we move into European competition; specifically the Amlin Challenge Cup. We actually have a more favourable pool than we’re entitled to, as the draw was made in mid-June, with Newcastle Falcons included as one of the Premiership’s six representatives. Newcastle are currently ranked as the 32nd best team by the ERC (European Rugby Cup), with seedings based upon a club’s performance in the last five years of European competition. Ranking points are earned either by competing in the Heineken Cup or by qualifying for the knockout stages of the Challenge Cup, but equal weighting is given to each of those years, meaning that Edinburgh’s achievement in reaching the semi-finals of the blue riband competition last season is worth as many points as London Irish and Saracens earn for accomplishing a similar feat in 2007-08. As a result, the Falcons were in Pot Two for the draw, and were drawn with the competition’s top-ranked club, Stade Francais, Italian side Cavalieri Prato, who have a record of one win and eleven defeats in two seasons of European competition, and the unranked French club Grenoble, newly promoted to the Pro12 this season. Thus, by taking the place of the team seeded second in the pool we have avoided being drawn with other big names in Pot Two, including Gwent Dragons, London Irish and Worcester.
The standout name in the draw is Stade Francais. They are ranked 10th by ERC, ahead of the likes of Harlequins, Toulon and Perpignan, but this is the third consecutive season that have failed to qualify for the Heineken Cup. They were runners-up in the Amlin two years ago, losing 19-18 to Harlequins at Cardiff City Stadium, and lost 32-29 to Toulon in the semi-finals of last year’s competition, courtesy of a 79th minute drop-goal from Jonny Wilkinson. Stade were formed two years before London Welsh, in 1883, and won their first French Championship just ten years later, claiming the title eight times in the next 15 seasons. They had to wait another 19 years for their next appearance in the final, losing to Toulouse in 1927, before dropping out of the top flight and spending over 50 years in the lower divisions of French rugby.
.
Stade Lock Pascal Pape
Career includes 42 caps and 5 tries for France
When ‘flamboyant’ entrepreneur Max Guazzini assumed control of the club in 1992 they were playing in the third tier, but had returned to the top flight within three seasons, and under the guidance of Bernard Laporte they were crowned champions for the ninth time in 1998, 90 years after their last triumph, with a 34-7 demolition of Perpignan in the final. Despite adding a domestic cup in 1999 and four further championships (2000, 2003, 2004 and 2007) the club narrowly avoided relegation to the amateur ranks (Federale 1, or level three) in 2010-11 due to financial irregularities following the collapse of an affiliated advertising company. But for many people, the name Stade Francais conjures up images of a non-rugby playing nature; specifically the outrageous playing kits and the ‘Dieux du Stade’ calendar, which make 50 Shades of Grey look, well, grey and drab by comparison. Gauzzini was a wonderful showman, also pioneering the ‘Big Game’ concept which Harlequins have aped so successfully, with the girls from the Moulin Rouge providing pre-match entertainment for sell-out crowds of 80,000 at the Stade de France.
This season Stade are again struggling in the lower-reaches of the Top14. Although the squad still contains such luminaries of the modern game as David Attoub, Felipe Contepomi, Julien Dupuy, Jerome Fillol, David Lyons, Martin Rodriguez, Pascal Pape, Jerome Porical, Morgan Turinui, Paul Warwick and captain Sergio Parisse, they lost plenty of equally imposing talent over the summer, including Tom Palmer, Rodrigo Roncero, Dmitri Szarzewski, and Gonzalo Tiesi. They currently stand in 11th place with three wins and a draw from their eight games, moving up one place following last weekend’s 28-30 win at bottom side Mont-de-Marsan, a result which gave their opponents their first point of the season.
.
Argentinian rugby legend Felipe Contepomi
now in second season at Stade
It will be interesting to see whether Lyn decides to rest many of his first-choice players, with thirteen of the squad having started at least five of our six games to-date. For Stade, you get the feeling - even in early October - that another difficult domestic season could be salvaged by winning the Amlin Challenge Cup and qualifying for next year’s Heineken Cup. They certainly have far greater strength in depth than we do, but one big difference seems to be the way Welsh are playing as a team - one for all and all for one, to quote another famous Parisian outfit - whereas our visitors’ results tend to suggest that they are a group of highly talented individuals who lack cohesion. So will it be Stade who are partying like it’s circa 1999, or will the team in purple reign?
London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: The Dragons' Den (IP Logged)
Date: 10/10/2012 07:32
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Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: nld (IP Logged)
Date: 10/10/2012 08:26
An interesting challenge this weekend.
After the invasion of the Fez last Sunday will there be enough travelling over in their raspberry berets to replace them? The draw of playing Stade should certainly pick up a bit more of the floating support.
I'd always considered Stade to be the cream of French rugby but until reading the preview I hadn't realised that they had fallen so far short in recent years. I guess it's a sign of the times that individual flair just isn't enough in the modern game.
Consistent team selection or wrap some of your first choices in cotton wool? Increase the chances of Premiership survival or chase some end of season gold? Glad it is Lyn and not me making that decision!
After the invasion of the Fez last Sunday will there be enough travelling over in their raspberry berets to replace them? The draw of playing Stade should certainly pick up a bit more of the floating support.
I'd always considered Stade to be the cream of French rugby but until reading the preview I hadn't realised that they had fallen so far short in recent years. I guess it's a sign of the times that individual flair just isn't enough in the modern game.
Consistent team selection or wrap some of your first choices in cotton wool? Increase the chances of Premiership survival or chase some end of season gold? Glad it is Lyn and not me making that decision!
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: londonbound (IP Logged)
Date: 10/10/2012 08:31
Yep its time to give the forgotten a try out!
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: Crug Mawr (IP Logged)
Date: 10/10/2012 11:34
With Stade and Grenoble this is a very tough group. Grenoble have exceeded expectations early season and by the time LW play them away in particular I imagine their mountain home will be even more daunting to visit than it al;ready is.
Stade are very variable, to put Clermont under a great deal of pressure yet only just beat Mont de Marsan. As you say I think they will target the Amlin.
While I don't wish to take the romance out of the Cup, I see LW's target as finishing 11th or better in the league and don't expect to progress from this group. If big bnames play it may be to try out different combinations, but really I expect we are more likely to see the 'forgotten' playing these games & the LV.
Stade are very variable, to put Clermont under a great deal of pressure yet only just beat Mont de Marsan. As you say I think they will target the Amlin.
While I don't wish to take the romance out of the Cup, I see LW's target as finishing 11th or better in the league and don't expect to progress from this group. If big bnames play it may be to try out different combinations, but really I expect we are more likely to see the 'forgotten' playing these games & the LV.
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: sportbilly42 (IP Logged)
Date: 10/10/2012 12:19
Like nld I hadn't realised that Stade were struggling and potentially vulnerable. I think the general (rugby) public also have this view of Stade. A high profile club with fancy shirts and unless you follow the French game you would assume they were top end of their league.
A difficult one to decide on who to include in the side.
Do we rest some of our players and take what we can from the game, concentrating on AP matches..... OR do we try and get a W from this match?
The spin-off from winning a match against the 'mighty' Stade Francais would really raise the profile of the club locally, well above what has been achieved so far. (EDIT: Raise the profile of the club NATIONALLY....!) At this stage in the development of drumming up new Oxford based LW fans I think a win over a foreign club with pedigree would be a massive scalp to take and over the course of the rest of the season could pay dividends by dragging a few more in through the turnstiles....
Interesting...
I would favour trying to get this one scalp nailed to the clubhouse wall to raise the profile of the club and then maybe concentrating on AP....
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2012:10:10:12:33:33 by sportbilly42.
A difficult one to decide on who to include in the side.
Do we rest some of our players and take what we can from the game, concentrating on AP matches..... OR do we try and get a W from this match?
The spin-off from winning a match against the 'mighty' Stade Francais would really raise the profile of the club locally, well above what has been achieved so far. (EDIT: Raise the profile of the club NATIONALLY....!) At this stage in the development of drumming up new Oxford based LW fans I think a win over a foreign club with pedigree would be a massive scalp to take and over the course of the rest of the season could pay dividends by dragging a few more in through the turnstiles....
Interesting...
I would favour trying to get this one scalp nailed to the clubhouse wall to raise the profile of the club and then maybe concentrating on AP....
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2012:10:10:12:33:33 by sportbilly42.
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: chappers (IP Logged)
Date: 10/10/2012 12:29
Quote:Crug Mawr
but really I expect we are more likely to see the 'forgotten' playing these games & the LV.
I agree thats the sensible thing to do but I can't see that happening on our first foray into Europe, a good performance on saturday could improve the morale of the club no end.
The whole club is excited about Stade coming, and that includes the players, they will all want to play and I think LJ will pick a strong side especially with them not firing on all four at the moment.
Theres always next week in Italy to rest some players.
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: cottonsocks (IP Logged)
Date: 10/10/2012 19:20
Any info on the expected attendance/ticket sales will be much appreciated , thank u
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: nld (IP Logged)
Date: 10/10/2012 20:32
Referee: M Mitrea (Ita)
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: Y Drenewydd (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2012 12:05
Quote:cottonsocks
Any info on the expected attendance/ticket sales will be much appreciated , thank u
You can make an estimate yourself if you go to
[TICKETS]
Click the fixture, and then the stadium plan, you can see the seats sold/not sold, add walk ups and it looks like 3200 + 800??? = 4000ish
South Stand holds 4600
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: ze stade fan (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2012 13:31
Thak you VERY MUCH for this comprehensive presentation of Stade Français, with all my best effort I wouldn't be able do the same. I was at the public training session this morning and th eteam is still unclear due to the late injury of Paul Warwick. Many of the big boys weren't present at this training session.
Front Row Zhvania - Bonfils - Slimani (Becasseau, a newcomer I can't even spell his name)
Locks : Van Zyl Guillemain (or Garrault)
Third row : Tomiki - Rabadan - Burban (Chollon)
Scrum half : Bézy
Fly Half (Warwick being injured it could Be Plisson or Contepomi. From what I saw this morning the latter might play at 12)
Back row : Sinzelle - Contepomi (?) - Waisea (I can't spell his name either it's a Fidjian complicated name) - Fainifo
Fullback : young Mr Bonneval.
Well, this is not the best side we can provide but I was told by a staff member that Mr Attoub, a formidable Tighthead might do the trip as a replacement, as your scrum is very much feared. The problem for Stade is that they are quite near the relegation zone in the local championship and they face Toulouse and Toulon in a row at the end of October.
Supporters : my supporters' club Virage Des Dieux are coming but I don"t know how many of us there'll be. Few I suppose as this financial crisis is hitting hard over here. I'm personnally staying at the Eurobar hotel and i wonder what bus might be convenient to go to the stadium.
Thanks again for your presentation; it is very accurate.
Front Row Zhvania - Bonfils - Slimani (Becasseau, a newcomer I can't even spell his name)
Locks : Van Zyl Guillemain (or Garrault)
Third row : Tomiki - Rabadan - Burban (Chollon)
Scrum half : Bézy
Fly Half (Warwick being injured it could Be Plisson or Contepomi. From what I saw this morning the latter might play at 12)
Back row : Sinzelle - Contepomi (?) - Waisea (I can't spell his name either it's a Fidjian complicated name) - Fainifo
Fullback : young Mr Bonneval.
Well, this is not the best side we can provide but I was told by a staff member that Mr Attoub, a formidable Tighthead might do the trip as a replacement, as your scrum is very much feared. The problem for Stade is that they are quite near the relegation zone in the local championship and they face Toulouse and Toulon in a row at the end of October.
Supporters : my supporters' club Virage Des Dieux are coming but I don"t know how many of us there'll be. Few I suppose as this financial crisis is hitting hard over here. I'm personnally staying at the Eurobar hotel and i wonder what bus might be convenient to go to the stadium.
Thanks again for your presentation; it is very accurate.
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: Y Drenewydd (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2012 13:51
OMG this could get complicated ! One of my children did French translation at Uni if it helps. Will post this evening.
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: dottigirl (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2012 13:55
Quote:ze stade fan
Supporters : my supporters' club Virage Des Dieux are coming but I don"t know how many of us there'll be. Few I suppose as this financial crisis is hitting hard over here. I'm personnally staying at the Eurobar hotel and i wonder what bus might be convenient to go to the stadium.
Thanks again for your presentation; it is very accurate.
Guide to the Kassam here:
[www.rugbynetwork.net]
Bus info:
Quote:PUBLIC TRANSPORT
If coming from the station then take the number 5 or if from town then either the number 1 or 5, they both stop at the same place on St Aldates. Ask for the last stop on Pegasus Road and then turn left and it's hard to miss the stadium from there. About £3.20 for a return ticket. It's a 30min bus trip.
A taxi from the station to the ground will be about £10 each way and will take 5 people.
Does that mean the taxi is the better option?
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: Oxfordwelsh (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2012 14:10
Quote:dottigirl
Does that mean the taxi is the better option?
Depends if there's five of you, or you're feeling flush. If either of the two, then yes - they're quicker and don't spend as much time wandering around the less salubrious areas of the city.
The buses are good and regular though, and taxis back afterwards can be a bit of a nightmare to arrange. Horses for courses really....
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: ze stade fan (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2012 14:50
Well, I feel like taxying then, I want to visit th emost salubrious parts of the City ! Boy, can't wait to be there, this is going to be great !
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: nld (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2012 15:53
Touch judges: Carlo Damasco (Ita) & Matteo Liperini (Ita)
ze stade fan is absolutely right that this is a another good preview from Mark. He's always head and shoulders above what you get on other sites and this week, having looked around the message boards, nothing compares too. You also can't fail to learn something from them either!
Quote:ze stade fan
Thak you VERY MUCH for this comprehensive presentation of Stade Français, with all my best effort I wouldn't be able do the same.
ze stade fan is absolutely right that this is a another good preview from Mark. He's always head and shoulders above what you get on other sites and this week, having looked around the message boards, nothing compares too. You also can't fail to learn something from them either!
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: paddytaf (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2012 16:02
I will second nld's comments. My whole week starts with Mark W-J's previews. (I live a very sheltered life and don't get out much) Seriously though there are FANTASTIC PADDYTAF.
"GIVE THEM NO BALL OR BAD BALL WELSH"
"GIVE THEM NO BALL OR BAD BALL WELSH"
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: chappers (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2012 18:30
Quote:dottigirlQuote:ze stade fan
Supporters : my supporters' club Virage Des Dieux are coming but I don"t know how many of us there'll be. Few I suppose as this financial crisis is hitting hard over here. I'm personnally staying at the Eurobar hotel and i wonder what bus might be convenient to go to the stadium.
Thanks again for your presentation; it is very accurate.
Guide to the Kassam here:
[www.rugbynetwork.net]
Bus info:Quote:PUBLIC TRANSPORT
If coming from the station then take the number 5 or if from town then either the number 1 or 5, they both stop at the same place on St Aldates. Ask for the last stop on Pegasus Road and then turn left and it's hard to miss the stadium from there. About £3.20 for a return ticket. It's a 30min bus trip.
A taxi from the station to the ground will be about £10 each way and will take 5 people.
Does that mean the taxi is the better option?
As has been said if there are 5 of you theres not a lot in it , after all you are on holiday so whats a pound each.
The Eurobar is right next to the coach staion and there is a taxi rank just there, ask to be taken to the Priory thats where all the pre and post match action is. If you hang around for a couple of drinks after the match you won't have too much difficulty getting a cab back (01865 777333 just let them know there are 5 of you when you book).
If you are on your own get the bus, just walk up into the city centre and ask where to get the Blackbird Leys Bus (it's really not that bad)or look here the map shows where to catch the bus where to get off and the route on foot to the stadium (you can actually see it from the bus stop).
Look forward to seeing you and the boys at the Kassam, any further questions just ask away.
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2012:10:11:18:35:05 by chappers.
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: Y Drenewydd (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2012 19:21
Bonjour Ze Man Stade!, Depuis le centre d'Oxford prendre un taxi à la barre Prieuré à côté du stade Kassam. Vous y trouverez des amis du rugby, bière, cidre et un accueil chaleureux. Ensuite, allez à regarder le match et revenir pour plus de cidre de suite.
Get a taxi, have a cidre,watch the rugby, return have more cidre. !
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:10:11:20:37:08 by X~Pat.
Get a taxi, have a cidre,watch the rugby, return have more cidre. !
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:10:11:20:37:08 by X~Pat.
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: nld (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2012 19:32
Joe le taxi?
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: chappers (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2012 21:20
Quote:paddytaf
I will second nld's comments. My whole week starts with Mark W-J's previews. (I live a very sheltered life and don't get out much) Seriously though there are FANTASTIC PADDYTAF.
"GIVE THEM NO BALL OR BAD BALL WELSH"
I agree I had a really@#$%&nights sleep last Saturday and I,m sure it was down to excitement about Sundays game
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: ze stade fan (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2012 22:11
Thanks all for the advice and tips! I won't fail to get to the Priory!
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: Mark W-J (IP Logged)
Date: 12/10/2012 12:40
15. Alex Davies, 14. Ashley Smith, 13. James Lewis, 12. Ryan Davis, 11. Nick Scott, 10. Gavin Henson*, 9. Nick Runciman, 1. Frank Montanella*, 2. Dan George, 3. Arthur Joly, 4 Kirill Kulemin*, 5. Matt Corker, 6. Jonathan Mills ©, 7. Mike Denbee, 8. Ed Jackson.
Replacements: 16. Greg Bateman, 17. Tom Bristow, 18. Paulica Ion*, 19. Martin Purdy, 20. Ed Williamson, 21. Tyson Keats, 22. Simon Whatling, 23.Seb Jewell.
* Denotes full international
Replacements: 16. Greg Bateman, 17. Tom Bristow, 18. Paulica Ion*, 19. Martin Purdy, 20. Ed Williamson, 21. Tyson Keats, 22. Simon Whatling, 23.Seb Jewell.
* Denotes full international
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: Dragons' Den (IP Logged)
Date: 12/10/2012 13:48
Interview with Pierre Rabadan from www.stade.fr (via Google Translation).
Difficult chickens ahead!
Quote:In the first match of Amlin, Pierre Rabadan expect a true match in English. This is an opportunity for him and find some game time, however, warns that the team does not galvaudera this competition.
past two seasons you were often put to rest for matches of Amlin. This year, it will allow you to find playing time How are you feeling since your injury? competition this fall at the right time for the players. Some will be able to rest while others find game time The Amlin is a good opportunity for me to find the ground and get back in shape for the rest of the season. This calf injury is behind me, it was long, but now I have no apprehension. He just needs playing time to quickly become benchmarks and performance to help the team.
This competition allows rotate the workforce but also to find a good dynamic? A group is 35-40 players. This is an opportunity to show that we are a homogenous group and can play both ways. If the team is doing well even without its regulars, it can put a positive pressure shows that nobody is irreplaceable. This will mean that we can rely on everyone. The team needs to be successful throughout the season.
Especially the chicken seems to be more difficult this year? 
She will be more difficult in previous years. We do not know too much London Welsh, but the results show that it is a serious team. This is a very physical team that plays a lot on that. Grenoble is a pleasant surprise in the Top 14 and double confrontation will be difficult. After the Italian team is back. We used to have one good team in the pool. This year there are two, so for us to meet this challenge.
Whether you know this team London Welsh? Despite their late recruitment including players who have evolved Paris Stade French (Arthur Joly and Franck Montanella) this is a team that plays simply and English. This team has many players beefy offering the very physical. Since the beginning of the season, she hooked the best teams in England. She beat Sale, Exeter and narrowly lost against the Saracens. From our side, several players returning to the group for this game. We will strive to make things simple. Anyway, we will not be surprised by the intensity physical we will be proposed. It must be at the same level, see a cut above to successfully impose our game
It is not difficult to go into the unknown? 
It is also interesting to play teams that you do not know. Of course, I'd rather play Leinster, Cardiff or Harlequins. At the moment we are not in the Heineken Cup because we have two seasons sporting that we were not allowed to be there. This is a step by which we must go to find a team that can play the Heineken Cup. The first game in England will be very complicated and a good test to calibrate. It is always difficult to play in England.
objective will be to win? For three years we are trying to win it. We always play this competition thoroughly. The aim will be to follow or be as close as possible. The group wants a strong, combative playing every game for the win. We must start with this ambition even though we know we can not win all our games. For me, if you start a competition with the aim not to win, do not play much.
Difficult chickens ahead!
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: Newest Sir Benfro (IP Logged)
Date: 12/10/2012 14:05
Hope the ref doesnt blow for too many fowls....
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: nld (IP Logged)
Date: 12/10/2012 14:11
It could be an egg-citing game....
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: nld (IP Logged)
Date: 12/10/2012 14:20
Stade team
15. Hugo Bonneval, 14. Julien Arias, 13. Waisea Vuidarvuwalu, 12. Felipe Contepomi, 11. Francis Fainifo, 10. Jules Plisson, 9. Nicolas Bezy, 1. Zurabi Zhvania, 2. Remi Bonfils, 3. Rabah Slimani, 4. Juan Cruz Guillemain, 5. Anton van Zyl, 6. Antoine Burban, 7. Lei Tomiki, 8. Pierre Rabadan,
16. Michael Van Vuuren, 18. David Attoub, 19. Nicolas Garrault, 20. Arthur Chollon, 21. Lucas Rubio, 22. Lisandro Gomez Lopez, 23. Jérémy Sinzelle,
15. Hugo Bonneval, 14. Julien Arias, 13. Waisea Vuidarvuwalu, 12. Felipe Contepomi, 11. Francis Fainifo, 10. Jules Plisson, 9. Nicolas Bezy, 1. Zurabi Zhvania, 2. Remi Bonfils, 3. Rabah Slimani, 4. Juan Cruz Guillemain, 5. Anton van Zyl, 6. Antoine Burban, 7. Lei Tomiki, 8. Pierre Rabadan,
16. Michael Van Vuuren, 18. David Attoub, 19. Nicolas Garrault, 20. Arthur Chollon, 21. Lucas Rubio, 22. Lisandro Gomez Lopez, 23. Jérémy Sinzelle,
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: londonbound (IP Logged)
Date: 12/10/2012 14:21
No it's coq-a-vin,
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: nld (IP Logged)
Date: 12/10/2012 14:23
They are worried about Gavin HENson.
(Sorry)
(Sorry)
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: Newest Sir Benfro (IP Logged)
Date: 12/10/2012 16:16
I'm looking forward to wain tomorrow... hope we can poulet off ??
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: sportbilly42 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/10/2012 16:38
I see the Google translator has taking 'Allo 'Allo as it's reference point for English/French translation...
"I am officer Crabtree. I wark for British Ontelligence bot I have disgeezed maseelf as a poloceman so I am oble to move aboot with complate frodom."
"I am officer Crabtree. I wark for British Ontelligence bot I have disgeezed maseelf as a poloceman so I am oble to move aboot with complate frodom."
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: ze stade fan (IP Logged)
Date: 12/10/2012 16:58
We had "Allo allo" in France on a public television channel ! How offensive ! But how funny indeed, it's a kind of faulty towers during WWII !![[:wor kid:]](/phorum-5.1.15/mods/smileys/images/13.gif "[:wor kid:]")
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: LUMP 03 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/10/2012 19:42
Chaps a Quin fan coming in peace - simply wanted to wish you all the best this weekend, after all the closed season wrangling welcome to European rugby and enjoy!
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: londonbound (IP Logged)
Date: 13/10/2012 18:52
Been to Kassam today. That was the worst game I have seen LW play in 4 years! Basic skill level poor, execution poor and lack of passion in the shirt! Think we should consign that kit to the bin too! The stadium is soleless and the food very poor. The OU supporters and LW supporters should get their money back the game plan fell to bits in the first half and even Gav couldn't get it back on track! !n fact he needs more time and better quality outside him!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:10:13:19:36:09 by londonbound.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:10:13:19:36:09 by londonbound.
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: Dafydd (IP Logged)
Date: 13/10/2012 19:14
What the hell was that? £26 I paid and an 80 mile round trip to watch a complete pile of sh@te.
I can only assume we're not interested in this competition.
I can only assume we're not interested in this competition.
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: davidcaldwell (IP Logged)
Date: 13/10/2012 20:05
Painful watching from my seat!
I missed last week so today was the first time I have seen Gav in action in our shirt - perhaps a little rusty but he definitely has something about him that stands out, even against today's oppostion.
Have to say I was disappointed that those who got their chance in the backs today didn't do more to put their hand up for some premiership game time.
My biggest disappointment though was the first Stade try. I know that late in the game when it is well out of reach heads drop, but for their first try after about 1 minute none of our players bothered to chase the scorer through the goal area to make him score further out and make the conversion harder. They seemed content to let him trot round under the posts - I know that 2 points wouldn't have made any difference, but after 1 minute we didn't know that!
I missed last week so today was the first time I have seen Gav in action in our shirt - perhaps a little rusty but he definitely has something about him that stands out, even against today's oppostion.
Have to say I was disappointed that those who got their chance in the backs today didn't do more to put their hand up for some premiership game time.
My biggest disappointment though was the first Stade try. I know that late in the game when it is well out of reach heads drop, but for their first try after about 1 minute none of our players bothered to chase the scorer through the goal area to make him score further out and make the conversion harder. They seemed content to let him trot round under the posts - I know that 2 points wouldn't have made any difference, but after 1 minute we didn't know that!
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: adge1 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/10/2012 21:18
That non tackling set of useless backs should be absolutely ashamed of themselves to have been beaten by
in such a manner by a third string Stade side. Contepomi pulled all the strings even to the extent of outsprinting the defence for his try late on...a man who's speed had gone long before the last RWC going past a set of LW guys as though they were standing still...which in fact they were. Gav should have handed his MOM award over to Contepomi. Don't know how many first time specs would have been put off by that display.
in such a manner by a third string Stade side. Contepomi pulled all the strings even to the extent of outsprinting the defence for his try late on...a man who's speed had gone long before the last RWC going past a set of LW guys as though they were standing still...which in fact they were. Gav should have handed his MOM award over to Contepomi. Don't know how many first time specs would have been put off by that display.
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: chappers (IP Logged)
Date: 14/10/2012 12:09
Not a lot to say really bad tackling, bad handling/passing, too slow to the loose ball, no cut from the backs all in all a bit of a shambles. Even the ref mut have felt sorry for us, we were being let off penalty after penalty towards the end.
In essence they were too quick for us in every department and seemed to just sweep us aside without ever really putting us under pressure
On the plus side the line out was pretty solid this week and we did well in the scrum, but they did bring a pretty small pack mind.
That was the sort of side I think everyone expected us to bring to the premiership let's hope we don't see another performance like tha again.
In essence they were too quick for us in every department and seemed to just sweep us aside without ever really putting us under pressure
On the plus side the line out was pretty solid this week and we did well in the scrum, but they did bring a pretty small pack mind.
That was the sort of side I think everyone expected us to bring to the premiership let's hope we don't see another performance like tha again.
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: sportbilly42 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/10/2012 12:22
Confused and ironic chuckle that Gav got MoM award... I assume it just doesn't get awarded to any opposition player and that's the way we do it? (That said, I don't think any LW player 'stood out' and played with much conviction yesterday, so not sure why a MoM was awarded and announced at all)
Tickling rather than tackling (terrible stuff to watch...), so many gaps easily opened up, kicking the ball back to Stade and too often not running to chase up the kick, letting them run back at will.... They also seemed to have rubbed their hands with Vaseline as the ball just didn't stick to hand.
Wished I'd gone and watched my team play instead (Newbury got their first away win since 2009!
) and wished I wasn't sat in the middle of a row of seats so I could escape early from watching that....
Any first time watchers from Oxford aren't going to be returning any time soon to watch that I'm afraid...
(In case you're wondering... I didn't enjoy the game)
(EDITED TO TAKE THE NEGATIVE DOWN A NOTCH OR TWO)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:10:14:22:58:47 by sportbilly42.
Tickling rather than tackling (terrible stuff to watch...), so many gaps easily opened up, kicking the ball back to Stade and too often not running to chase up the kick, letting them run back at will.... They also seemed to have rubbed their hands with Vaseline as the ball just didn't stick to hand.
Wished I'd gone and watched my team play instead (Newbury got their first away win since 2009!
) and wished I wasn't sat in the middle of a row of seats so I could escape early from watching that....
Any first time watchers from Oxford aren't going to be returning any time soon to watch that I'm afraid...
(In case you're wondering... I didn't enjoy the game
)
(EDITED TO TAKE THE NEGATIVE DOWN A NOTCH OR TWO)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:10:14:22:58:47 by sportbilly42.
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: sportbilly42 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/10/2012 12:25
Quote:dittochappers
That was the sort of side I think everyone expected us to bring to the premiership let's hope we don't see another performance like that again.
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: paddytaf (IP Logged)
Date: 14/10/2012 15:32
Everybody yesterday were just dross. But Runciman is without doubt way out of his depth. Thank heavens we have Tyson Keats. And the other young guy also called Keats should get an outing. PADDYTAF.
"GIVE THEM NO BALL OR BAD BALL WELSH"
"GIVE THEM NO BALL OR BAD BALL WELSH"
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: Ian Horgan (IP Logged)
Date: 14/10/2012 17:36
The sooner we are out of all competitions other than the Premiership the better.
Funnily enough thats the important bit! A Homer Simpson Doh would not go amiss.
Glory in other competitions can wait, what did you expect, we would win the Amlin?
Oh by the way that was Stade Francais we lost to, what did you expect?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:10:14:17:37:20 by Ian Horgan.
Funnily enough thats the important bit! A Homer Simpson Doh would not go amiss.
Glory in other competitions can wait, what did you expect, we would win the Amlin?
Oh by the way that was Stade Francais we lost to, what did you expect?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:10:14:17:37:20 by Ian Horgan.
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: paddytaf (IP Logged)
Date: 14/10/2012 17:49
Stade Francais second string apart from Contepomi. PADDYTAF.
"GIVE THEM NO BALL OR BAD BALL WELSH"
"GIVE THEM NO BALL OR BAD BALL WELSH"
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: adge1 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/10/2012 18:10
SF without Parisse, Lyons, Wright, Williams, Warwick, Arias,Fillol, de Malmanche,Dupuy, Laussucq, Pape,Porical,Sackey, Sempere.....
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: chappers (IP Logged)
Date: 14/10/2012 18:20
Quote:Ian Horgan
what did you expect?
A bit of commitment and effort, it's not like they were putting us under pressure.virtually all their try's came from our mistakes or lack of effort rather than their invention or skill.
If we had been beaten by a side that totally outplayed us I wouldn't have minded so much, but we totally outplayed ourselves in that one
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: Crug Mawr (IP Logged)
Date: 14/10/2012 19:03
A few thoughts
The defensive frailties were evident early on so why no use of the bench?
Henson wasn't man of the match and I find the adulation is premature. I thought his kicking from hand was poor, he is far too keen to offload rather than take contact - when contact is the better option. Also what's the reasoning for kicking a 55 metre penalty, while spurning a more kickable penalty for a kick to the corner from 45 metres just a few minutes before?
He has barely played any rugby at OH so talk (not necessarily on here) of Wales and even Lions is inapprorpriate.
The defensive frailties were evident early on so why no use of the bench?
Henson wasn't man of the match and I find the adulation is premature. I thought his kicking from hand was poor, he is far too keen to offload rather than take contact - when contact is the better option. Also what's the reasoning for kicking a 55 metre penalty, while spurning a more kickable penalty for a kick to the corner from 45 metres just a few minutes before?
He has barely played any rugby at OH so talk (not necessarily on here) of Wales and even Lions is inapprorpriate.
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: paddytaf (IP Logged)
Date: 14/10/2012 19:08
Well said chappers. I always applaud and congratulate a good effort or performance. However as a passionate fan and supporter (by the way i'm off to Italy Thursday and France in December) i am entitled to an opinion as indeed everyone is. My opinion is they were very, very P**R with little or no excuses for that dross. PADDYTAF.
"GIVE THEM NO BALL OR BAD BALL WELSH"
"GIVE THEM NO BALL OR BAD BALL WELSH"
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: Verd (IP Logged)
Date: 14/10/2012 20:00
I agree with Ian Horgan - Premiership survival is the most important thing for us. The 'first' squad that has played in the AP games has got to know each other, improved, got results - all that from a standing start (owing to the late decision on promotion)
Yes we were poor, but these games give Lyn the chance to run out other members of our limited squad. Some had a mare (I feel for Nick Runciman) & it was apparent that others weren't coherent with the team or the tactics. I'm sure they will all get better giving more match practice. How would we feel if we got a load of injuries during this second division Euro competition, didn't qualify for the next round anyway, weakened the AP squad, had to throw in the underplayed/rusty squad members & lost vital AP points
Even though we were poor yesterday & I dont think we can doubt players commitment (how does anyone know that) & I shall still go & support the team. They just had a (very) bad day at the office. It's easy to critise from the stand. Also having a go at individuals or whether they deserve MoM isn't helpful.
Yes we were poor, but these games give Lyn the chance to run out other members of our limited squad. Some had a mare (I feel for Nick Runciman) & it was apparent that others weren't coherent with the team or the tactics. I'm sure they will all get better giving more match practice. How would we feel if we got a load of injuries during this second division Euro competition, didn't qualify for the next round anyway, weakened the AP squad, had to throw in the underplayed/rusty squad members & lost vital AP points
Even though we were poor yesterday & I dont think we can doubt players commitment (how does anyone know that) & I shall still go & support the team. They just had a (very) bad day at the office. It's easy to critise from the stand. Also having a go at individuals or whether they deserve MoM isn't helpful.
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: DanFW3 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/10/2012 21:06
Stade played what they play well, those grubber kicks into open territory and the rapid follow-up. As soon as I saw the starting line-up I knew we would be in trouble and regretted my Prediction League forecast. Our biggest weakness was at centre where the absence of Hudson was very much felt, but there was a lack of conviction in the tackling on the wings which was lamentable. I also hope not to see pink v mauve again.
The forwards seem to do OK so far as I could see which I not a lot, and a couple of ties drove the oppo back a bit. Gavin's monster penalty kick could have been a turning point but conceding two drop goals and another that was missed says a lot about their freedom to operate behind the line.
However I might take most of this squad to Prato to cheer them up a bit. We might win 50-3 as Grenoble did, but if we lose then can "concentrate on the league" as they say. But I would play Joe Ajuwa ahead of Ashley Smith to see what he has learned since that nightmare against Harlequins. Conceivably Mike Denbee could be moved to inside centre where I have a notion he has played before (for Albion, was it?).
Maybe all backs should wipe their hands on a dry towel to rid them of the Vaseline referred to (don't ask why it was on their hands, too much information).
The forwards seem to do OK so far as I could see which I not a lot, and a couple of ties drove the oppo back a bit. Gavin's monster penalty kick could have been a turning point but conceding two drop goals and another that was missed says a lot about their freedom to operate behind the line.
However I might take most of this squad to Prato to cheer them up a bit. We might win 50-3 as Grenoble did, but if we lose then can "concentrate on the league" as they say. But I would play Joe Ajuwa ahead of Ashley Smith to see what he has learned since that nightmare against Harlequins. Conceivably Mike Denbee could be moved to inside centre where I have a notion he has played before (for Albion, was it?).
Maybe all backs should wipe their hands on a dry towel to rid them of the Vaseline referred to (don't ask why it was on their hands, too much information).
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: chappers (IP Logged)
Date: 14/10/2012 22:32
Quote:Crug Mawr
Also what's the reasoning for kicking a 55 metre penalty, while spurning a more kickable penalty for a kick to the corner from 45 metres just a few minutes before?
.
Couldn't agree more there were actually two occasions in quick succession, at the time we didn't know we were going to get royaly turned over.
We gave away an extra point we would have had for a draw, against gloucester, in exactly the same way.
By the way good to meet you, always good to put a face to a name.
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: ze stade fan (IP Logged)
Date: 14/10/2012 22:37
Before all a big thanks to all LW fans I met during this encounter between our two teams. Earnest rugby discussions and drinks before a game, what more could you want?
Well, that was a one sided match. Surprisingly enough, young bucks and old warriors for Stade proved that they can play rugby together better than the "A+" team!
From Stade Academy : Bonfils (hooker) Slimani (Tighthead), Burban (flanker but not a youngster any longer)Plisson (Fly Half) Danty (centre) Bonneval (fullback) Garrault (lock, replacement, first appearance against LW) Becasseau (tighthead replacement)
Youngsters: Zvanhia, (a Georgian loosehead who can't speak a word of French or English) Guillemain (lock, first appearance against LW) Lisandro Lopez-Gomez (first appearance against LW)
Old warriors : Contepomi seemed until recently to have lost the confidence of the coaching squad. He is back with a vengeance but as a first center, young Mr Fainifo (wing) was injured badly last season (hamstring) and never was a first choice until a game in Clermont. He is back. The distinguished Mr Van Zyl, a poet of a lock is a normal replacement for young Mr Flanquart (absent on this day). He played a first role at the breakdown and tackle.
Waisea "Bula" whateverisnameis is a gem and will be fielded very often I suppose, our Fijian dart!
So I am more than satisfied.
On LW side, I have noticed that the scrum managed to get at least two balls (maybe three) against the head. The lineout disturbed our lineout more than once.
The team continued to fight till the bitter end and never lost their cool (almost no fistfight, that is rarely seen in a game involving the French).
I predict that not every team are going to win on this pitch.
Oxford : a charming historic city I am glad I had the opportunity to visit! I was with some English friends met at the Priory nad we went to a bar called the King's arm (nice) then the Turf tavern (nice but mind your head the ceiling is low). Reminded me of my long gone Uni days!
I am going to try and find some reasons for you to come to Valenciennes, even though is a dark, gloomy, sombre working class city with a high unemployment rate and a strong yob culture!
Cofion gorau y chi (that's all the extent of my Welsh)
Well, that was a one sided match. Surprisingly enough, young bucks and old warriors for Stade proved that they can play rugby together better than the "A+" team!
From Stade Academy : Bonfils (hooker) Slimani (Tighthead), Burban (flanker but not a youngster any longer)Plisson (Fly Half) Danty (centre) Bonneval (fullback) Garrault (lock, replacement, first appearance against LW) Becasseau (tighthead replacement)
Youngsters: Zvanhia, (a Georgian loosehead who can't speak a word of French or English) Guillemain (lock, first appearance against LW) Lisandro Lopez-Gomez (first appearance against LW)
Old warriors : Contepomi seemed until recently to have lost the confidence of the coaching squad. He is back with a vengeance but as a first center, young Mr Fainifo (wing) was injured badly last season (hamstring) and never was a first choice until a game in Clermont. He is back. The distinguished Mr Van Zyl, a poet of a lock is a normal replacement for young Mr Flanquart (absent on this day). He played a first role at the breakdown and tackle.
Waisea "Bula" whateverisnameis is a gem and will be fielded very often I suppose, our Fijian dart!
So I am more than satisfied.
On LW side, I have noticed that the scrum managed to get at least two balls (maybe three) against the head. The lineout disturbed our lineout more than once.
The team continued to fight till the bitter end and never lost their cool (almost no fistfight, that is rarely seen in a game involving the French).
I predict that not every team are going to win on this pitch.
Oxford : a charming historic city I am glad I had the opportunity to visit! I was with some English friends met at the Priory nad we went to a bar called the King's arm (nice) then the Turf tavern (nice but mind your head the ceiling is low). Reminded me of my long gone Uni days!
I am going to try and find some reasons for you to come to Valenciennes, even though is a dark, gloomy, sombre working class city with a high unemployment rate and a strong yob culture!
Cofion gorau y chi (that's all the extent of my Welsh)
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: sportbilly42 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/10/2012 22:49
Quote:It was Stade in name and reputation but this season they aren't the force they were, so thought we might have a shout given the way LW have played so far. Perhaps we were getting ahead of ourselves... Still, as long as we haven't picked up any long term injuries (hopefully Montanella is ok?) we move on and put that one down to experience.Ian Horgan
Oh by the way that was Stade Francais we lost to, what did you expect?
You could say it's good to get game time for the guys that haven't played much yet, but I don't expect that game was anything to learn from other than the need to sharpen up drills and be more positive in the tackling...
Quote:Perhaps still wary of the heavy tackles relatively soon after his last injury? He was making a few too many clever passes without looking as well, which look daft when the receiver isn't expecting them and they don't come off so perhaps need to think about when to use that tactic..Crug Mawr
Henson [snip] is far too keen to offload rather than take contact - when contact is the better option.
Anyway, next game for me is Wasps and looking forward to them getting back on track (hope they do well in Italy)
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2012:10:14:23:51:29 by sportbilly42.
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: nld (IP Logged)
Date: 15/10/2012 23:56
'Highlights' of the match - click here
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: DanFW3 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/10/2012 00:26
Very enjoyable video and sound track to a non-partisan, and don't Stade make it all look so easy! It's worth watching each try more than once.
But I'm not a non-partisan. On our side, the final pass for our try was so fast I couldn't see it even on reviewing. Well done. But elsewhere, we committed again the error when marking 2 against 3 on the wing, then 2 against 2 of focussing on the ball carrier in e hope of being able to make a 2 against 1 tackle, and forgetting the man outside. Basic. Elsewhere a try scorer running in behind the posts could conceivably have been pushed over the dead ball line with a bit of effort. I notice one try was scored by the ball carrier at the back of a maul just breaking past the maul and running in his try - is this legal? Was he part of the maul or not?
Stade were very nippy and clearly the better team, making great use of kicks ahead (not way down the pitch for aerial ping pong, but close enough to follow up). Perhaps we should not beat ourselves up too much at losing to a notably better team on song.
But I'm not a non-partisan. On our side, the final pass for our try was so fast I couldn't see it even on reviewing. Well done. But elsewhere, we committed again the error when marking 2 against 3 on the wing, then 2 against 2 of focussing on the ball carrier in e hope of being able to make a 2 against 1 tackle, and forgetting the man outside. Basic. Elsewhere a try scorer running in behind the posts could conceivably have been pushed over the dead ball line with a bit of effort. I notice one try was scored by the ball carrier at the back of a maul just breaking past the maul and running in his try - is this legal? Was he part of the maul or not?
Stade were very nippy and clearly the better team, making great use of kicks ahead (not way down the pitch for aerial ping pong, but close enough to follow up). Perhaps we should not beat ourselves up too much at losing to a notably better team on song.
Re: London Welsh v Stade Francais Preview
Posted by: ze stade fan (IP Logged)
Date: 16/10/2012 14:35
For the maul question I wouldn't have been surprised if the referee had called a "screen". But I reckon this is the first time I see a maul open up in two to let the ball carrier go through!
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