We continue our look at the 16 teams with an overview of Stade Français Paris…

Path to the Round of 16

Stade Français endured a difficult start to their pool stage campaign, going down 36-9 at Connacht Rugby before losing 28-17 at Bristol Bears.

However, with their Round 2 clash with Bristol cancelled amid coronavirus issues and a 0-0 draw recorded, the TOP 14 side had a slim chance to progress to the knockout stage heading into the final round of fixtures.

With results elsewhere going their way, Stade Français needed a bonus point win at home against Connacht, plus a six-point margin of victory.

Despite Tolu Latu’s red card, Adrien Lapegue (2), Ngani Laumape, Kylan Hamdaoui and Ryan Chapuis all crossed before Joris Segonds kicked a last-gasp penalty to hand them a dramatic 37-31 win and see them advance as eighth place finishers in Pool B.

Key moment

Stade Français’ knockout stage hopes looked to be fading as their 14 men trailed Connacht 31-20 with 20 minutes to play in their Round 4 encounter.

But they produced a stunning late turnaround as Chapuis powered over for the bonus point try before Lapegue dotted down for his second of the day.

The defining moment would come as the clock ticked past 80 minutes, though, as Segonds stepped up to slot a penalty and hand them the necessary six-point winning margin to progress.

Key player

Wing Telusa Veainu featured in all three of Stade Français’ pool stage games and was a driving force with ball in hand.

The Tonga international is one of the leading players when it comes to metres made (343) and line breaks (6) in this season’s Heineken Champions Cup.

Key stats

Only ASM Clermont Auvergne’s Alvereti Raka gained more metres (382) than Stade Français’ Veainu (343) having played three pool stage games.

Only Leinster Rugby’s Jimmy O’Brien (7) made more line breaks than Veainu (6) having played three pool stage games.

Stade Français’ Léo Barré beat 15 defenders in three pool stage games – only Clermont’s Damian Penaud beat more (17) in the same number of games.

Stade Français’ Latu was one five players to receive a red card during the pool stage.

Round of 16 opponents

Stade Français go up against local rivals Racing 92 in the two-legged Round of 16, welcoming their fellow TOP 14 side to Stade Jean Bouin on April 9 before making the short trip to Paris La Defense Arena on April 17.

Racing reached the Round of 16 after finishing top of Pool A.

As the Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 edges ever closer, we detail each side’s path to the knockout stage, selecting key moments, players and stats.