A masterful goal-kicking performance from Italian international outhalf Diego Dominguez helped Stade Francais power into the European Cup semi-finals over French rivals Pau in Paris on Saturday.
The 34-year-old Argentine-born maestro, who has been convinced to come back out of international retirement and line up for Italy next week in their Six Nations opener against Ireland, bagged 21 points with the boot as the tournament favourites prevailed in a gritty battle at the Stade Jean Bouin.
His kicking prowess ensured his side always kept their noses in front against their fired-up opponents from the Pyrenees.
Pau, who had scraped into the last eight after a thrilling win over Pontypridd last week, were eventually outclassed by the reigning French champions.
Tries from winger Raphael Poullain, scrumhalf Christophe Laussucq and centre Franck Comba secured victory for Stade in a match which never burst into life.
Dominguez, who is the competition's leading scorer with 147 points, did not have it all his own way however. He twice hit the woodwork with penalty attempts that the diminutive genius would normally regard as easy pickings.
Pau's points came from a solitary try from Christophe Paille, and 14 points from outhalf David Aucagne.
