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Premiership Rugby

Saracens Defeats Ill-Disciplined Stade Français In Champions Cup Clash

Saracens Defeats Ill-Disciplined Stade Français In Champions Cup Clash

Saracens secured a 28-17 win over Stade Français, capitalizing on a red card for Sekou Macalou and a late Theo Dan try to overcome an early deficit.

Dec 15, 2024 by Philip Bendon
Saracens Defeats Ill-Disciplined Stade Français In Champions Cup Clash

Saracens capitalized on Stade Français' ill-discipline to claim a 28-17 victory Saturday, overcoming an early deficit in a heated contest.

Stade Français took control early, with Peniasi Dakuwaqa crossing for a third-minute try, converted by Zack Henry, before Henry added a penalty to make it 10-0. 

Third Red Card In Two Matches

However, the tide turned in the 21st minute when Stade’s Sekou Macalou was shown a red card for dangerous play, leaving the hosts a man down for the remainder of the game.

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Saracens quickly took advantage, with Liam Williams scoring a try in the 23rd minute, converted by Fergus Burke, followed by two penalties from Burke to edge the visitors ahead 13-10 at halftime.

The second half began with Stade struggling to regain momentum. 

Tanginoa Halaifonua’s yellow card in the 43rd minute compounded their woes, and Saracens extended its lead to 18-10 through Jamie George’s try, though Burke missed the conversion.

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Stade refused to fold, however, as Leo Barre scored a try in the 68th minute and converted it himself to narrow the gap to 21-17. 

But another yellow card for Hugo N'Diaye in the 72nd minute proved costly. 

Saracens struck immediately, with Theo Dan powering over for a crucial try, converted by Burke, to seal the victory.

The match was marked by its physicality, with both sides receiving multiple cards. Saracens’ Rhys Carre also saw yellow in the 51st minute, but Stade’s indiscipline proved decisive, with Macalou’s red card and two yellows in the second half leaving them undermanned.

Saracens’ precision and composure under pressure carried them through, securing a hard-earned away win and showcasing their depth and resilience.

What's Next For Saracens And Stade Francais In The Champions Cup?

Saracens will face Munster at Thomond Park on Jan. 11 at 12:30 p.m. Eastern , and Stade Francais will take on the Northampton Saints ay Stade Jean Bouin on Jan. 11, also at 12:30 p.m. EST.

Investec Champions Cup 2024-2025 Round 1 Results

Investec Champions Cup Fixtures In Round 2

All Times Eastern

Investec Champions Cup Fixtures In Round 3

Investec Champions Cup Fixtures In Round 4

Investec Champions Cup Format 

Key points of the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup:

  • A multi-pool format, as launched in the 2023-2024 season
  • 24 elite clubs - eight each from the Gallagher Premiership, URC and TOP 14 - in four pools of six
  • Sporting jeopardy, with each club playing against four different opponents, home or away, in the pool stage
  • Four highest-ranked clubs in each pool qualify for the Round of 16
  • The Investec Champions Cup will be played over eight weekends, with four pool rounds and four knockout rounds culminating in the 2025 final, which will be staged at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Saturday, May 24.

Investec Champions Cup Weekends

  • Round 1 – 6/7/8 December 2024
  • Round 2 – 13/14/15 December 2024
  • Round 3 – 10/11/12 January 2025
  • Round 4 – 17/18/19 January 2025
  • Round of 16 – 4/5/6 April 2025
  • Quarter-finals – 11/12/13 April 2025
  • Semi-finals – 2/3/4 May 2025
  • 2025 Investec Champions Cup final – Saturday, May 24, Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Champions Cup Qualifications 

Twenty-four clubs have qualified for the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup as follows:

  • United Rugby Championship (8): The eight highest-ranked clubs based on their final finishing positions.
  • TOP 14 (8): The eight highest-ranked clubs based on their final finishing positions.
  • Gallagher Premiership Rugby (8): The eight highest-ranked clubs based on their final finishing positions.
  • If not already qualified, the winner of the 2024 Investec Champions Cup will take the place of the eighth-ranked club in its league.

Investec Champions Cup Qualifiers 

  • TOP 14 – Stade Toulousain, Union Bordeaux-Bègles, Stade Français Paris, RC Toulon, Stade Rochelais, Racing 92, Castres Olympique, ASM Clermont Auvergne
  • GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP – Northampton Saints, Bath Rugby, Sale Sharks, Saracens, Bristol Bears, Harlequins, Exeter Chiefs, Leicester Tigers
  • UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP – Glasgow Warriors, Vodacom Bulls, Munster Rugby, Leinster Rugby, DHL Stormers, Ulster Rugby, Benetton Rugby, Hollywoodbets Sharks

When Does The 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup Begin? When Is The Champions Cup Final?

The Investec Champions Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup begin Dec. 6, and the four-round pool-play action ends Jan. 19, 2025. The Round of 16 starts on April 4, while the quarterfinals are April 11-13. The semifinals are May 2-4. 

The EPCR Championships weekend is in Cardiff, Wales at Principality Stadium. There are championship games on May 23 (EPCR Challenge Cup) and May 24 (Investec Champions Cup). 

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