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Gasnier scores on debut in rugby
Alex Brown at Stade des Alpes | September 27, 2008 - 6:52AM
Bourgoin 25 Stade Francais 32
Allez, Mark Gasnier. On a chilly night at the foot of the Chartreuse Mountains, the former St George Illawarra centre scored on debut for his French rugby union club, Stade Francais, powering them to a 32-25 victory over Bourgoin.
Gasnier, playing on the right wing, was handed a difficult assignment by coach Ewen McKenzie in his first match in the 15-man code when asked to mark former Bulls and South African sevens winger Rudi Coertzee. But the former St George Illawarra captain proved equal to the task, displaying superb finishing skills to score in the 38th minute to propel the Parisian club to a lead they would not relinquish, and maintain their unbeaten record in the Top 14 competition.
Gasnier did not see much of the ball, but took full advantage on the few occasions it came his way. His try came on the end of a deft run-around play by Stade Francais' Argentinian five-eighth, Juan Martin Hernandez, but drew jeers from the large Bourgoin crowd, who claimed the last pass had drifted forward.
Gasnier's pressence was felt more heavily in the second half when, buoyed by his earlier five-pointer, he adopted a more adventurous approach in his search for the ball. On one occasion, the 27-year-old made a half-break through the Bourgoin mid-field defence, then laced a skillful one-handed pass around a defender that almost led to a try. But for the most part, Gasnier was left to mark time in attack, as Stade Francais kicked away much of their possession.
There were, without doubt, a few rough edges to Gasnier's game, most notably his awkward body position in the rucks. Overall, though, Gasnier can be well satisfied with his debut, particularly in defence, where he proved particularly solid.
Stade Francais assistant coach Christophe Dominici paid a fulsome tribute to Gasnier.
"He knew where to put himself," said the former Stade and France wing wizard. "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."
with AFP
Mirco Bergamasco of Stade Francais is confronted by Silvain Nicolas of Bourgoin.
Photo: AFP
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