Plisson steps up to sink Castres

Stade Francais came away with the spoils in a tightly fought contest against the defending Top14 champions, Castres. 

The visitors relied heavily on the boot of Jules Plisson who has played second fiddle to Morne Steyn in the opening rounds of the competition.

Here are our Top Performers from the clash.

Julien Arias - Stade Francais

From as early as the 20th minute Arias looked a dangerous threat and was bound to cause problems for the opposition.

The 34-year-old’s experience came in handy in a game in very difficult conditions.

Right after causing a threat in the 20th minute of the game, the man with over 200 caps for the Paris-based side got the ball out wide and darted down the touchline but was held up in goal and did not manage to dot it down.

Furthermore, proved to be a handy option off scrum and lineout and his hard work that finally paid dividends in the second half as he managed to pounce on his name sake’s grubber to cross over for the games' only try.

Ma’ama Vaipulu - Castres

Some bruising carries by the Tongan international throughout the game. In both halves of the game he managed to rescue a Castres’ scrum that battled throughout.

His blindside breaks always set the home side with a good attacking platform, but because of the harsh conditions they just couldn’t get going.

Jules Plisson – Stade Francais 

France head coach Jacques Brunel will be pleased by Plisson's performance today as the playmaker proved he is more than just an attacking threat. 

His kicks and game management were the difference between the two sides. While Rory Kockott struggled to get the home side on the scoreboard, it was Plisson’s boot that led to the men from Paris to go into the tunnel with a 9-0 lead.

Stade Francias would have been sweating when he left the pitch very early in the game for what seemed like a blood bin.

It was not long after his come back and he made his presence immediately felt with three successive penalties.

Both sides struggled to score in the second half and as the home side were looking for a victory to go on top they managed to hold out any penalties.

The 27 year old French International missed his only opportunity, a try conversion in the corner.

However, he had done enough to secure Man of the Match and a victory for the away side.