European Rugby Challenge Cup: Stade Francais 12-3 Ospreys

Outside-half James Hook scored Ospreys' only points in Paris

Ospreys slipped to a narrow Challenge Cup defeat against Stade Francais in a scrappy Pool Two match in Paris.

Stade, who were mourning the death of youth player Nicolas Chauvin, improved from their 51-20 defeat at the Liberty Stadium last weekend.

Home debutant Nicolas Sanchez's two penalties were the only points of the first half in an error-strewn game.

James Hook's penalty got Ospreys on the scoreboard after the break, but Sanchez added two more kicks for the hosts.

The result at Stade Jean Bouin was a first win of the campaign for the Parisians.

Both sides who were much changed from last weekend's game in Swansea, and both looked disjointed and rarely threatened to produce any meaningful opportunities in a match low on quality.

Ospreys were spirited and frustrated the hosts with their gutsy defence.

Replacement Cai Evans had a chance to secure a losing bonus point for the Welsh visitors but his injury-time penalty slipped wide.

The Welsh region remain top of Pool Two on 11 points, two ahead of Worcester and three above Pau who face each other at Sixways on Saturday.

Ospreys head coach Allen Clarke told BBC Radio Wales: "Last kick of the game is tough on the young kid (Evans), but in terms of performance I though we were excellent in the energy, the fight, the heart we showed.

"We know we left a couple of scores out on the field but absolutely proud of the effort tonight."

Stade Francais: Kylan Hamdaoui; Waisea Vuidarvuwalu, Julien Delbouis, Jonathan Danty, Lester Etien; Nicolas Sanchez, Piet van Zyl; Siegfried Fisiihoi, Laurent Panis, Paul Alo Emile, Paul Gabrillagues, Yoann Maestri (capt), Sylvain Nicolas, Hendre Stassen, Tala Gray.

Replacements: Laurent Sempéré, Stéphane Clement, Giorgi Melikidze, Willem Alberts, Sergio Parisse, Clement Daguin, Jules Plisson, Tony Ensor.

Ospreys: Dan Evans; Hanno Dirksen, Johnny Kotze, Cory Allen, Keelan Giles; James Hook, Tom Habberfield; Rhodri Jones, Scott Baldwin, Tom Botha, Lloyd Ashley, James King, Olly Cracknell (capt), Sam Cross, Rob McCusker.

Replacements: Sam Parry, Gareth Thomas, Gheorghe Gajion, Will Griffiths, Guido Volpi, Harri Morgan, Cai Evans, Joe Thomas.

Referee: Mike Adamson (Scotland).

Assistant referees: Sam Grove-White (Scotland), Dave Sutherland (Scotland).