The sixth day of Top 14 will be played on the pitch this weekend. Here are our predictions with a victory for Toulouse against Clermont and for La Rochelle at Anoeta against Bayonne.
Racing 92 – Toulon
Meeting with a particular dynamic in Créteil. If the Ile-de-France residents remain on a sluggish victory in Brittany, and the RCT lost in the last moments in Clermont, it is Stuart Lancaster’s men who are most in need of points. After a failed start to the season, including a setback during their last reception, Owen Farrell’s partners have not been able to find their feet since the start of the year. Faced with a resurgent Toulonnais, the men from La Rade could well make a big move, facing a direct competitor for the final stages.
Our prediction: victory for Toulon, defensive bonus for Racing
Montpellier – Vannes
An already crucial part for the rest of the season. Both stuck at the bottom of the ranking, with a victory won since the start of the championship, the two teams will really want to launch their season during this match of fear. Facing its public, the MHR will be keen to achieve its first success, and will be able to count on strong reinforcements in their squad for the occasion, notably with its captain Lenni Nouchi, back after being left to rest last week . The Bretons seem to be coming from too far away to achieve success in Hérault.
Our prediction: victory for Montpellier
Bayonne – La Rochelle
The now traditional relocation to Anoeta comes earlier than expected for Rowing Bayonnais. After a delicate start to the season, with two victories at Jean-Dauger, Grégory Patat’s men delivered a particularly convincing performance against UBB, and will want to build on this against the La Rochelle juggernaut. The Maritimes, determined to stay at the top of the ranking, have reinforcements for the trip to the Basque Country. Gregory Alldritt should return to the yellow and black ranks, and his impact could be decisive in this match. The curse at Anoeta could well continue for another year for Bayonne.
Our prediction: victory for La Rochelle
Pau – Castres
Last season, after a prolific match, it was Castres who won at Le Hameau, during the duel against Pau. A defeat which certainly cost Palois qualification for the final phase. So it’s time for revenge for Sébastien Piqueronies’ men. In difficulty away from home since the start of the season, the Béarnais have made a habit of reassuring themselves at home since the start of the season. Last week, the narrow defeat in Perpignan left a lot of frustration… So could it be time for another catch-up?
Our prediction: victory for Pau
UBB – Perpignan
UBB is in great shape but was scared last week against Bayonne. Although impressive since the start of the season, Yannick Bru’s team has experienced a little slack and will seek to reassure itself against Perpignan at Chaban-Delmas. The offensive bonus is clearly targeted by the Bordeaux and Whites, facing a Catalan team which could rotate its squad in Gironde. In addition, Damian Penaud should be back for this meeting.
Our prediction: victory for UBB with the offensive bonus
Toulouse – Clermont
After two defeats in a row against rivals like UBB and Castres, Toulouse inevitably asks itself questions. The reigning champion is struggling to convince and therefore has some things to make up for in front of his audience on Saturday evening. So Ugo Mola brings out his secret asset: Antoine Dupont. The scrum half will be back against Clermont and will try to right the Toulouse boat. After a more than narrow success against Toulon, ASM will try to resist but it seems complicated.
Our prediction: victory for Toulouse with the offensive bonus
Lyon – French stadium
The Sunday evening match this week will be a duel between Lyon and Stade français. In the soft underbelly of the ranking, the two teams are struggling to find consistency at the start of the season. Lyon has the merit of being serious at home while Stade Français has already given in at home to Toulon. The Parisians have experienced difficult recent weeks, notably with the departure of Karim Ghezal by mutual agreement. In short, Paris is currently out of its depth.
Our prediction: victory for Lyon