Brive edge away from Top 14 relegation

Julien Caminati’s five penalties inspired Brive to a much-needed 26-10 victory over Stade Francais on Friday and temporarily at least lift them out of the Top 14 relegation places.

Victory saw Brive move up to 11th, three points clear of second from bottom La Rochelle, who are at home to Racing-Metro on Saturday while Agen the other side embroiled in the fight to stay up – Bourgoin are certain to go down as they have just five points – host Toulon.

Brive coach Ugo Mola praised his players but warned them that they had to follow up after such a victory.

“Bravo to the players! Now, it is vital we continue to work hard.

“After each win such as this we have got ahead of ourselves and then received a slap.

“The season is not over yet. We have to win our next three matches before the European competitions resume.”

Stade – who had lost at home to Brive earlier in the season – had started brightly enough as English wing Ollie Phillips darted over for a try in the 11th minute after being set up by Julien Dupuy.

However, the visitors were undone by their indiscipline which was punished brutally by the unerring boot of Caminati and two yellow cards for Antoine Burban and Rabah Slimani did their cause no good either.

Their hopes of getting anything out of the match and keeping the pressure on the top six – who contest the end of season play-offs – were extinguished 11 minutes from time when Brive captain Antonie Claassen touched down to make it 26-5.

Stade got a consolation try five minutes from time when wing Djibril Camara went over.