STADE Francais boss Heyneke Meyer has backed his good friend Alan Solomons to take Worcester Warriors all the way in the European Challenge Cup.

Warriors sealed a home quarter-final after coming back from 28-14 behind to beat Stade 36-31 with a last-gasp try from Dean Hammond.

It was Worcester’s second victory over the French club who are fourth in the Top 14 and their fifth win in six games in Pool Two.

Worcester host Harlequins on the final weekend of March and will look to set up a trip to ASM Clermont Auvergne or a home clash with Northampton Saints in the semi-final.

Meyer, a former South Africa head coach, said he had “a lot of respect” for director of rugby Solomons and reckoned he could lead the Sixways side to European glory.

“Good luck to them for the rest of the competition,” Meyer said.

“They are difficult to play against.

“They are under pressure in the Premiership but they play some decent rugby and especially at home they are a quality side.

“They have also proven what they can do away from home.

“Clermont are also a tough side to play but there is no reason why they can’t go (all the way).

“It’s going to be tough as the last eight teams are all good.”

Meyer, 51, said he “learned a lot” from Solomons, 68, having spent several years working with him in South Africa.

“I have a lot of respect for Solly,” said Meyer who was in charge of the Springboks between 2012 and 2015.

“I was a young coach working with him at the South West District Eagles and then we coached the Stormers together.

“I was his forwards coach and then we coached South Africa together in the 1999 World Cup so I have learned a lot from him and got a lot of respect for him especially his managerial skills. He is always straight and honest.

“With Solly it is a case of what you see is what you get.

“Stormers did very well that year as they were top of the log but unfortunately lost in the semis and South Africa lost in the semis of the World Cup too.

“Nick Mallett was the head coach, Solly was the backs coach and I was the forwards coach.

“I don’t see him very often so it was great to see him. I owe him a lot.”

Tries from Ryan Chapuis, Laurent Sempere, Arthur Coville and Jonathan Danty gave Stade a 14-point lead at the break.

But Meyer admitted his side were made to pay for their poor discipline in the second half as Danty saw yellow for a tip-tackle on Chris Pennell.

“We probably should have gone for a drop goal at the end but that’s rugby,” Meyer added.

“I am proud of our guys as there were a lot of youngsters and they really stuck to their guns right until the end.

“It was a quality game with some good tries especially in the first half for us but you have got to give Worcester credit for the way they came back.

“In the first half we only gave away three penalties but in the second half we gave away 10 including the yellow card.

“You can’t just defend especially against a good attacking team.”