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Racing 92 thump Stade Francais to push rivals closer to relegation / Photo: ALAIN JOCARD - AFP
NYSE - LSE
Racing 92 thump Stade Francais to push rivals closer to relegation
Racing 92 ran in seven tries to seal a crushing 49-24 victory in the Paris derby against Stade Francais on Sunday, pushing their city rivals to the cusp of the Top 14 relegation zone.
Stade Francais led 10-8 at half-time against their fellow strugglers at the La Defense Arena, but fell apart after the break.
France scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec scored tries in either half, with Fiji's Josua Tuisova and Gael Fickou also among the home players to touch down.
Former England star Owen Farrell kicked 11 points as Racing moved nine points clear of the bottom two.
Stade Francais are languishing 12th in the table, above 13th-placed Perpignan on points difference and only one point clear of bottom club Vannes.
The second-bottom side will head into the relegation/promotion playoffs, with the 14th-placed club automatically relegated.
Stade Francais have been ever-presents in the French top flight since 1997, winning the title six times.
But they desperately need an uptick in form to avoid an ignominious relegation with four matches remaining this season.
Stade Francais visit Perpignan in their next outing in a fortnight's time -- a match which could ultimately decide their fate.
R.Parra--HdM
