Stade Francais

[iceman_19]

Great to see Marcos back, and that is a very interesting/exciting back row.

Still no sign of Kitch or Ed though?

I genuinely don't think I've been as excited about a new signing (certainly not for a long time) as I am about BoC. Watched him all Super Rugby campaign and he was simply awesome.

[darganj]

Can someone please explain Matt Smith and Crane over Pearce on the bench?

Severe lack of ball carriers in that back row, can't understand why no Pearce at 8. You need someone to give you go forward vs a physical French side.

Also Matt Smith at 12? He can't distribute and he isn't a gain line buster. Just don't get it.

Really happy with the other 13 players!

[RagingBull]

Front row is looking so much better now in terms of starting and bench.

Barrow ahead of De Chaves?

2 7's playing, although both can also play 8.

Can someone please explain Matt Smith and Crane over Pearce on the bench?

Severe lack of ball carriers in that back row, can't understand why no Pearce at 8. You need someone to give you go forward vs a physical French side.

Also Matt Smith at 12? He can't distribute and he isn't a gain line buster. Just don't get it.

Really happy with the other 13 players!

Crane provides a steadier option, and showed a difference when he came on against Wasps, he prob there as a leadership option from the bench.

If you had watched BO'C he certainly is a ball carrier option in attack.

Smith
1) As shown at wasps game @ 12 he is defence solid and opposition wont have the outside to beat him. so prob there to lead defence.
2) We showed some very good attacking plays with him @ 12.
3) Bai is also covering 10 having your only 2 fit 10 options starting might be too much of a risk.

[Noggs]

Like the starting line up, particularly the pack.

Veainu with fresh legs in the last 20...

[kpj tiger]

Can't wait to see BOC and Mcaffery in tandem, also I think Matt Smith at 12 is the right call, he is defensively strong and still has good pace, he can truck the ball up and will be a handy decoy runner

[Iain]

Front row is looking so much better now in terms of starting and bench.

Barrow ahead of De Chaves?

2 7's playing, although both can also play 8.

Can someone please explain Matt Smith and Crane over Pearce on the bench?

Severe lack of ball carriers in that back row, can't understand why no Pearce at 8. You need someone to give you go forward vs a physical French side.

Also Matt Smith at 12? He can't distribute and he isn't a gain line buster. Just don't get it.

Really happy with the other 13 players!

Crane provides a steadier option, and showed a difference when he came on against Wasps, he prob there as a leadership option from the bench.

If you had watched BO'C he certainly is a ball carrier option in attack.

Smith
1) As shown at wasps game @ 12 he is defence solid and opposition wont have the outside to beat him. so prob there to lead defence.
2) We showed some very good attacking plays with him @ 12.
3) Bai is also covering 10 having your only 2 fit 10 options starting might be too much of a risk.

Smith is in good form and in the absence of an out and out 12 at the minute is a decent footballer with decent hands.

Crane is a good option, as is Pearce.

Isn't it nice to have options again?

Veainu coming off the bench against tired legs could be fun!

[drc_007]

To be honest on first look through the team I couldn't remember anything other than 1. Marcos Ayerza

[Rykard]

Like the starting line up, particularly the pack.

Veainu with fresh legs in the last 20...

looks like it could be a very good game, can't wait to see Veainu off the bench..

[kornboy130]

Front row is looking so much better now in terms of starting and bench.

Barrow ahead of De Chaves?

2 7's playing, although both can also play 8.

I thought Barrow castly outplayed Seb against Exeter - looks a real prospect - the next in a line of Eds and Kitchs hopefully.

[Iain]

To be honest on first look through the team I couldn't remember anything other than 1. Marcos Ayerza

And in all fairness that could be the key selection. The scrum has been disappointing recently. I trust nobody more than Ayerza to fix that up.

A first choice front row at last!!

[ourla]

Stade team:

15 Hugo Bonneval
14 Julien Arias
13 Paul Williams
12 Herman Meyer Bosman
11 Jérémy Sinzelle
10 Morné Steyn
9 Julien Dupuy
1 Zak Taulafo
2 Laurent Panis
3 Adrien Oleon
4 Paul Gabrillagues
5 Pascal Papé
6 Patrick Sio
7 Sylvain Nicolas
8 Sergio Parisse (capt)

16 Dany Priso
17 Zurabi Zhvania
18 Rabah Slimani
19 Alexandre Flanquart
20 Jonathan Ross
21 Julien Tomas
22 Waisea Vuidarvuwalu
23 Josaia Raisuqe

So Parisse plays...

[Iain]

Strong Stade team. Though like any of these kind of occasions it's always great to see star players coming here as guests.

[jgriffin]

Blimey this is going to be a titanic clash, could be game of the round. Tigers by a score or less.....

[Iain]

I for one will be offering Dupuy a warm reception on his return. He deserves it if only for THAT try at the Crisp Bowl.

[Crivvens]

Strong looking Stade team. Surprised they've not got more strength in depth though, having to resort to a 50 odd year old chatshow host on the bench. Times must be hard in gay Paris...