The Blues enjoyed most of the terriory in the match and, thanks to the boot of Nick Macleod, led twice with David Skrela notching just one penalty in response.
It was Stade’s Julien Arias who gained the first try for the home side though, at the close of the first quarter of the game. Macleod and Skrela swapped penalties before Arias notched his second try before the break, again helped over the line by Christophe Dominici. Skrela added the conversion and another penalty for good measure to nudge the home side into a 21-9 advantage at the half time whistle.
Despite the Blues’ determined defence after the interval Stade once again breached the defence. Following the approval of the TMO, Rodrigo Roncero gained the third French try, yet the Welsh Region were quick to respond.
Prop John Yapp powered over after 75 minutes with Macleod bettering his effort but the home side ultimately gained the win, and the crucial bonus point. Olivier Sarramea’s try deep into injury time guaranteed the side maximum points, and they took a five point lead at the top of Pool Six for their efforts.
