As Day 7 of the Top 14 begins, the home teams should shine during the “Fans Days” weekend. Perpignan is in a good position to beat Montpellier, while La Rochelle will have to confirm against Bordeaux-Bègles.
French stadium – Racing 92
Duel between big names in the capital! It is on the lawn of the Jean-Bouin Stadium where the leader and the third in the championship will face each other this weekend. An obviously special match, because in addition to the importance of the result in the rankings, regional supremacy is also at stake and this match often offers surprises. For example, last year Stade Français humiliated Racing 92 at the Paris la Défense Arena, before suffering two defeats at Jean-Bouin, including one in the Top 14 play-offs. Because we believe in the rules of series, we never say two without three for Ciel et Blanc in the CVIe arrondissement of Paris.
Our prediction: victory for Racing 92
Bayonne-Pau
After coming close to achieving the feat against La Rochelle, Aviron Bayonnais must rebel for his return to Jean-Dauger. Especially since Grégory Patat’s men host the Pau Section, the only team to win in the Basque Country last season. For this derby between Bayonnais and Palois, Rowing must show his teeth and wash away Anoeta’s insult.
Our prediction: victory for Bayonne, defensive bonus for Pau
Clermont-Toulon
It is one of the most iconic rivalries in French rugby. Clermont hosts Toulon this Saturday in an important match given the start of the season. The Auvergnats are winners away for the first time in more than a year and are full of confidence before welcoming the rival from the port. An enemy that has been quite inconsistent lately and lost in Perpignan two weeks ago. We are thinking of Clermont above.
Our prediction: victory for Clermont
Perpignan-Montpellier
At the bottom of the table, the tension between Perpignan and Montpellier will be at its peak. The last two teams in the championship are at Aimé-Giral with very different dynamics. Although the MHR are ahead of the Usap in the rankings, Richard Cockerill’s men remain five defeats in a row with amorphous performances. On the other side, the Catalans offered themselves Toulon and achieved a great comeback on the Toulouse field. In this hot context, the Perpignans should use their crowd to win.
Our prediction: victory for Perpignan
Oyonnax-Lyon
After two complicated trips to Toulon and Castres, Oyonnax returns to the Charles-Mathon stadium to rectify the situation. Joe El Abd would have to manage the vast majority of his executives, those who had been given peace in the Tarn. Already winners at home over Clermont and La Rochelle, the Aindinois have another chance to take down a top 6 contender. On the other hand, the Lyonnais have to make amends after their home defeat against Stade français. Baptiste Couilloud’s teammates in Ain are eagerly awaited.
Our prediction: victory for Oyonnax, defensive bonus for Lyon
Castres-Toulouse
The CO challenges Stade Toulouse in its Pierre-Fabre lair in a fratricidal derby. After their solid win in La Rochelle, they let loose against Stade Français to prepare as best as possible to host the reigning French champions. Fourth in the Top 14 before the start of the seventh day, Jeremy Davidson’s men have the chance to consolidate their place in the leading quartet and unseat their prestigious neighbor at the same time. Toulouse is aiming for a second away win this season, two months after the victory over Oyonnax.
Our prediction: victory for Castres
La Rochelle – Bordeaux-Bègles
The Atlantic derby will be the big poster for the “Fan Days” weekend launched by the NRL on Sunday evening. Rochelais and Bordelais meet for the first time since their semi-final last spring. Last season both teams won away games and this meeting is always expected, both sportingly and in the stands. After the Maritimes’ near-miraculous win against Bayonne, Ronan O’Gara’s protégés get the chance to really launch their season.
Our prediction: victory for La Rochelle, defensive bonus for Bordeaux-Bègles