Racing 92 defeated Section Paloise 33-31 on Saturday evening at the Hameau in a Top 14 playoff match. The Parisians will face Stade Toulousain in the semifinals in Marseille.
The match began with a quick try by Carbonneau for Racing 92 in the second minute. Pau responded with a try from Auradou in the tenth minute and another from Simmonds.
At halftime the score stood at 17-16 in favor of the Palois. In the second half Fickou and Carbonneau added further tries to give the Ciel et Blanc a 16-point lead.
Pau reduced the gap with tries from Gorgadze and Rey late in the game but Racing 92 held on. Manyarara delivered an outstanding performance with 21 tackles.
Patrice Collazo praised his team’s set piece and collective spirit. Section Paloise ends a remarkable season with a home defeat.