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Gasnier marks debut with try for Stade Francais

Bourgoin’s Tone Kopelani, left, vies with Stade Francais’ Simon Taylor during their French Top 14 Rugby Union match at the Stade des Alpes in Grenoble, France, on Friday. PHOTO: AFP

Former Australian Rugby League superstar Marc Gasnier marked his Rugby Union debut for French giants Stade Francais by scoring a try as they maintained their unbeaten start to the season, defeating out of form Bourgoin 32-25 on Friday.

The 27-year-old Australian — a nephew of former Australian Rugby League great Reg Gasnier, who has switched codes in moving from the St George Illawarra Dragons, and who reputedly will earn up to A$1 million (US$960,000) a season playing for the Parisian club — repaid the faith shown by Aussie coach Ewen McKenzie by scoring the decisive try.

He was set up for the try by fly-half Lionel Beauxis, who was the points scorer of the night as he notched up 16 with his boot while the “magic man” of Argentinean rugby, Juan Martin Hernandez, scored with two typical drop goals from his golden boot.

Stade Francais assistant coach Christophe Dominici paid a fulsome tribute to Gasnier.

“He knew where to put himself,” the former Stade and France wing wizard said. “He tried to unearth the gaps and he was really involved in some of the moves. That was impressive because it is not easy to move from league to union. This proves he has the talent and the quality.”

The win gave Stade — who appear refreshed after a couple of poor seasons under former French captain Fabien Galthie — a lead of nine points over Perpignan.
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