Cardiff are second in the URC and have three vital derbies over the festive period, which influenced coach Corniel van Zyl’s decision to rotate his squad after a win at Zebre.<\/p>\n
Three players made debuts, with lively full-back Young starting while centre Elijah Evans and scrum-half Ieuan Davies came off the bench.<\/p>\n
Cardiff were also boosted by the return of wing Stephens, and physical back Mason Grady continued his comeback on the other flank after starting in Parma.<\/p>\n
On the down side, fly-half Ioan Lloyd was forced off in the first half by an injury to his right shoulder.<\/p>\n
How Cardiff fare against Ulster at the Arms Park next Saturday is likely to shape their approach for rounds three and four in January given their URC play-off push.<\/p>\n
Stade, fourth in the Top 14, were held up over the line twice before full-back Mathis Ibo opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a smart finish down the right after a line break by hooker Giacomo Nicotera.<\/p>\n
The try-scorer then turned try-saver with a stunning effort to deny scrum-half Ellis Bevan, with Cardiff held up over the line.<\/p>\n
Home tight-head prop Braxton Asi escaped without a card for a high tackle on James Botham, but the penalty led to Cardiff levelling in the 23rd minute.<\/p>\n
They kicked to the 22, put the pressure on and worked the ball to the left for fit-again Stephens to cross from a terrific assist by Young.<\/p>\n