The start of the season turns into a nightmare for the two Parisian clubs Top 14. After four disappointing days, the French Stadium and the Racing 92 are already under pressure.
Between internal crises, lack of results and a schedule that gives them no respite, the two teams are at a turning point in their season. This weekend, they may be playing for their survival in the race for Top 6.
Stade Français: internal tensions and questioning of a project
The French Stadiumdeclared a title contender at the start of the season, largely disappoints. The Parisian team, which intended to impose its rhythm from the first days, has a mediocre record with only two victories in four matches. What could have been a classic slump for an ambitious team turns into a full-blown crisis after head coach is sidelined Karim Ghezaljust a few months after his arrival.
This sudden departure reveals deep tensions within the club. Laurent Labit, who until then shared control with Ghezal, finds himself alone at the head of a group lacking certainty. Stade Français no longer has the right to make mistakes and this weekend’s match against MHR becomes crucial. A new poor performance would plunge the Parisian club into an open crisis, where the ambitions of Top 6 are likely to disappear in the fall.
Labit also expressed the difficulty of creating cohesion in this context: “There were dysfunctions in the organization. To move forward, we had to change.” But is this enough to revive the Parisian machine? The team, out of ideas, must show a different face against Montpellier.
Racing 92: the ghost of a crisis facing a friend turned adversary
The Racing 92 is experiencing an equally worrying situation. With three defeats in four matches, the Ile-de-France club seems to be walking on a tightrope. This weekend, the men of Stuart Lancaster face the RC Vannesa friendly club, but which could well precipitate their fall. Racing no longer has any margin, and each defeat further compromises their chances of reaching the qualifying places for the final stages.
The link between the Racing 92 and the RC Vannes is nevertheless strong. Born from a friendly relationship between Jacky Lorenzetti et Olivier Cloarecthe Breton club has benefited from numerous loans from Ile-de-France players in recent years. Despite these fraternal relations, the RCV could play the role of executioner this weekend. A defeat for Racing against Vannes would mark a new stage in the descent into hell of a team on the verge of explosion.
The Ciel et Blanc are in an emergency. Each match becomes a final. But is Racing capable of overcoming its difficulties in such a tense context? The arrival of Stuart Lancaster at the head of the team had raised high hopes, but for the moment, the mayonnaise is not taking effect. If Racing continues to disappoint, the club’s entire project could be called into question.
A start to the season under high tension
This 5th day of Top 14 therefore promises to be a turning point for the two Parisian clubs. If the situation is not yet desperate, it is already critical. THE French Stadium and the Racing 92 are looking for results, but also confidence, and perhaps even a new dynamic.
The French Stadium must deal with internal tensions which weaken its long-term project. The crisis of confidence within the group and staff changes risk weighing on immediate performance. Against one MHR also in search of certainty, a victory would be an essential breath of fresh air to restart the season.
On the side of Racing 92the situation is even more pressing. After a catastrophic start to the season, a new defeat could plunge the club into a crisis from which it would be difficult to escape. The match against Valvesa club close on a relational level, could turn into a trap. The Racingmen no longer have a choice: they must win to prevent this season from turning into a debacle.
Parisian clubs already with their backs to the wall
For the two Parisian clubs, the situation is serious. This weekend, their results could have important consequences for the rest of the season.
A victory could restart the machine, but a defeat would be devastating. The hopes of Top 6although displayed at the start of the season, could well be buried in the event of another failure. Big weekend ahead for these 2 clubs…
I grew up in a family where rugby was at all times. I was at the edge of the pitch when Castres beat Pau and joined the elite, I was in the Stade Pierre Antoine facing Gary Whetton when he did his Haka to celebrate the 1993 Brennus and I was always rocked legends of this sport. Now, it is with XV Ovalie that I intend to extend the adventure. #TeamCO
