What a complicated start to the season for USAP, who after three days, are bottom of the table with just one point. However, with the new Aimé-Giral pitch being redone, the Catalans will return to their home ground, which is already sold out. The Clermontois already seem well-oiled, and have what it takes to worry the Perpignanais, especially in terms of conquest. However, we think that Perpignan will win its first match of the season, with the support of the public, by force. Narrow victory for the locals, defensive bonus point for the winners.
Bayonne confirms at the pad
This weekend, the Jean-Dauger fortress welcomes the Montpellier team, who missed their two home games against LOU and Toulouse. Bayonne has only played one home game and intends to get the crowds up in their cauldron against an opponent within their reach. After two poor performances, the Basques should line up their first team to try to secure a bonus victory. We think that Montpellier will cause problems for Bayonne in the first act, but that the latter, transcended by the public, will win in the tough.
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LOU faces a real test
This match between Lyon and Castres is one of the most uncertain and challenging of this fourth day of Top 14. The two teams are quite similar, both have won two games, and are looking to win a third game this weekend. LOU looked solid against UBB at home, with a hinge capable of turning a match around, while Castres seem to be gaining momentum. This match is likely to be hard-fought, but we think that the Tarn staff could rotate their squad in preparation for the reception of Stade Toulousain next weekend. So, we are starting with a convincing victory for LOU, without any bonus points for either side.
Due to the restoration of Paris La Défense Arena, the match between Racing 92 and La Rochelle will be relocated to the Dominique Duvauchelle Stadium in Créteil. This This information is not insignificant, because without its 2.0 stadium, the Lancaster gang is less efficient. Swept away on the UBB pitch, the Franciliens are lacking confidence. On the other side, La Rochelle has taken full points against Pau, and has also shown itself to be dangerous against Toulouse in the pink city. We think that this trip will be the right one for the Maritimes. Racing 92 is still in the running-in phase and against a team of this calibre, it should not happen. Victory for the visitors.
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In this exciting championship that is the Top 14, Vannes is acclimatizing rather well to its new season, and won its first victory in its history against LOU last weekend. Toulon won in the capital, and should draw up a typical starting XV against the promoted team, with the aim of taking five points. For this long trip, Vannes could operate a first rotation of its squad, which could mark the difference in level between the two clubs. We think that Toulon will largely dominate the debates, and should not let their chance to take an offensive bonus pass them by.
Pau narrowly beats Paris
If Pau is one of the most offensive teams in the Top 14, it is also the worst defense with 117 points conceded in three games (40.3 points average per game). Opposite, Paris is totally lacking confidence after being beaten largely by Bordeaux, having won by three points against Vannes and having lost at home against the RCT. For this meeting, we expect a messy scenario and imprecisions. Nevertheless, there should be tries scored and in disorder, we think that Pau will succeed in pulling its weight. Victory for the Béarnais, defensive bonus for the Stade Français.
Toulouse beats UBB again
This Sunday evening, remake of the last Top 14 final between Toulouse and Bordeaux, in the pink city. Toulouse is already the league leader, while Bordeaux is second. This clash raises many questions, particularly about the starting XV that Yannick Bru will decide to compose. On the other hand, there is little doubt that Toulouse will send its best soldiers to the battle. Ernest-Wallon has not been conquered since February 11, 2022 against Stade Français (28-29).
Although the match is engaged, we do not see this Toulouse team losing in front of its public. However, we think that like the reception of La Rochelle, the Toulousains will not be overwhelmingly dominant. We think that UBB has the resources to go for a defensive bonus point, but victory for the locals on this one.
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