Brave Blues lose in Paris

Cardiff came up just short against Stade Francais, going down 12-6 at a sodden Stade Jean-Bouin in Paris.

It proved to be a case of so near yet so far for the Blues, who at least can console themselves with a losing bonus point for their valiant efforts.

A pair of penalties from Juan Martin Hernandez and his replacement, David Skrela, was enough for the much-fancied French side to squeeze home.

As well as maintaining their amazing unbeaten run on home soil, which now stands at 54 matches, Stade's victory moves them to the top of Pool Three.

Key losses

Cardiff's cause was not aided by the early loss of fly-half Nicky Robinson, forcing a reshuffle in the back line with scrum-half Jason Spice moving outside to take over from the luckless Welsh international who had been making his return after five weeks on the sidelines.

Stade also lost their number 10 when Hernandez limped off shortly before the interval having already kicked two penalties.

The Argentine's first effort broke the deadlock after 10 minutes while his second came after international team-mate Rodrigo Roncero was taken out off the ball by Gareth Williams.

Hernandez's departure allowed Skrela to enter proceedings, the French international making an early impact with a straightforward penalty that gave the hosts a 9-3 lead at the break.

Cardiff's lone reply came from the boot of Ben Blair, the full-back slotting over his second attempt after his first from out wide on the left had been off target.

However, a six-point deficit was not a major worry for the Blues because they had the benefit of a strong wind at their backs for the second 40 minutes of what was now a territorial battle.

Chances

They fell nine points adrift when Spice's high tackle allowed Skrela to slot over three more crucial points, though the replacement nearly turned from hero to villain with a dropped pass close to his own line.

The knock-on gifted Cardiff a golden chance but, in their eagerness to make the most of the opportunity, a careless knock-on put paid to their drive within a metre of scoring a try.

Still the Blues battled on, Blair bringing them within six with his second penalty before skipper Xavier Rush decided to go for broke.

Awarded a kickable penalty the New Zealander decided to dispense with the conservative approach, kicking instead for the corner to try and get what would have been a match-winning score.

The gamble did not pay off, though, Stade standing firm deep inside their own 22 to hold on for their second win in this season's competition.

The two teams will do battle again next weekend in the Welsh capital, a match that will be crucial in deciding who qualifies for the knock-out stages.