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Archie Vanes scores hat-trick as Leicester edge out Stade Francais
By PA
Archie Vanes crossed for a hat-trick as Leicester withstood late pressure from Stade Francais to seal a battling 27-24 victory at Stade Francais in the Investec Champions Cup.
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The win, which came via a 66th-minute penalty from Jamie Shillcock, helped the Tigers extend their unbeaten record in Pool Four of the competition.
Shillcock finished with 12 points with the boot, while the Paris side’s tries came from Mathieu Hirigoyen, Charles Laloi and Leo Barre.
Leicester had fashioned a 14-7 advantage at half-time through Vane’s first two tries which were both converted by Shillcock.
And that lead was cut, despite the visitors’ temporary reduction to 14 men due a yellow card for Charlie Atkinson.
The hosts seized the momentum at the start of the second half, with Laloi crossing in the corner within one minute of the restart.
Vanes’ third try of the night helped Leicester hold their nerve and edge back in front in the contest with 54 minutes on the clock.
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But once again Stade Francais fought back and appeared to have wrested the momentum when they scored to level the match with 20 minutes to go.
Shillcock’s 66th-minute penalty nudged Leicester back in front and they withstood some fierce pressure from the home side in the closing stages.
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The writer here ignores the fact that, following on from not taking the penalty kick, the All Blacks did manage to score a try a few minutes later. Not directly from the penalty awarded, but it is speculation to say that had they opted to take the koi they would have won. Even if they kicked it, which was no guarantee, they would still be trailing and would have had to start again at half-way.
Go to commentsI would be surprised if Sales Opoku Fordjour and Northampton’s Tommy Freeman are not in the team, Anthony Watson is also one that could go on the wing. One thing I must say is that the front 3 will get destroyed against a team like South Africa.
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