Stade boost play-off bid with derby win at Racing, Lyon down Bordeaux

Stade Francais kept themselves firmly in the mix for a Top 14 play-off place with a 27-23 win at Racing 92 and Lyon struck a big blow to Bordeaux-Begles’ top-six hopes on Sunday.

Racing are looking over their shoulders in sixth spot with only two matches of the regular season left after a home derby defeat.

Gael Fickou opened the scoring with a try after only four minutes, but Racing led 17-10 at half-time following scores from Leone Nakarawa and Louis Dupichot.

Maxime Machenaud’s penalty gave Racing a 10-point lead, yet back came Stade with Giorgi Melikidze touching down to put them in front after they were awarded a penalty try.

Another Machenaud strike from the tee cut the gap to only a point before Morne Steyn was on target with a drop goal as Stade saw out a win that leaves them eighth, only four points behind their Paris rivals.

Lyon are sitting pretty in third after a 34-10 home win over Bordeaux.

Hendrik Roodt, Toby Arnold, Etienne Oosthuizen and Mickael Ivaldi crossed to leave Bordeaux seven points adrift of Racing.

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