Stade Français kicked off their Top 14 title defence last weekend with an impressive, if hard-fought 34-18 victory over newly promoted Pau. The match caught the interest of media and fans as it was the Top 14 champions against the Pro D2 champions. In a match billed as a 'champions v champions' clash, Pro D2 champions Pau took the game to the Parisiens at the Stade Jean Bouin, scoring two tries and keeping within striking distance until the closing stages. Their cause was dealt several self-inflicted blows however as theÂ*Palois saw four yellow cards throughout the match.Â* Stade demonstrated their clinical characteristics and scored at their first chance, just six minutes into the match. They added three more in the second half but they were never given time to fully relax against a stubborn Pau side. Antoin Burban scored the pick of the tries from the home side, finishing off a passage of quick ball and a superbly weighted pass from back-row partner Raphaël Lakafia to extend the lead early in the second period.Â* The boot of fly-half Jules Plisson ultimately gave Stade the win as the 24 year-old kicked 14 points, slotting four penalties and a conversion.

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