The 23rd day of Top 14 begins this Saturday at 3 p.m. With four games remaining, all points are up for grabs at all levels. Stade Toulousain could be the new leader of the championship, while Perpignan will have enough to collect maximum points against Clermont.
Perpignan – Clermont
This is the best form of the moment. Perpignan, two points behind 6th, is riding an incredible series of five victories in a row and advances against Clermont with the hope of garnering as many points as possible to qualify for the final phase. For his part, Clermont gave itself some fresh air by beating the Parisian leader but traveling badly this year. If the Jaunards want to grab the top 8, it will require a very big blow in Perpignan.
Our prediction: improved victory for Perpignan
Castres – Montpellier
Castres remains with only one victory in its last six matches and has been pushed out of the top 6. The Castres even went last to Perpignan. The reception of Montpellier, as ill as he is, should allow Mathieu Babillot’s teammates to move forward to finish the season well. The MHR, for its part, has not won for four matches and is seriously suffering the blow. Patrice Collazo’s players are in great danger, and this match already appears to be one of last chance.
Our prediction: victory for Castres
Racing 92 – Bayonne
At the start of the season, Bayonne achieved a magnificent achievement by winning against Racing thanks to a try from Baget. Five months later, the Ile-de-France residents, fourth, want their revenge to secure their place in the top 6. Faced with the Bayonnais who are experiencing a difficult period after their defeat at home against Bordeaux-Bègles, the time is ripe to make the full of points.
Our prediction: improved victory for Racing 92
Toulon – Lyon
Toulon must win against Lyon to consolidate its place in the top 6. Baptiste Serin and his team must take advantage of Lyon’s reception to raise their heads in terms of accounting. With two weeks of rest and the usual starters expected to return to the match sheet, there will be plenty to do on the Mayol side. The LOU has a significant lead of eight points over the MHR, 13th, and can arrive uninhibited in the Harbor.
Our prediction: improved victory for Toulon
Pau – Oyonnax
After its excellent start to the season, the Section Paloise is experiencing a more difficult end to the championship. In front of Oyonnax, last in the ranking, Sébastien Piqueronies’ men can delight their supporters and put in a full match to still believe in qualification. Oyonnax for its part has nothing left to play and will try to glean another victory after the one obtained against Castres on the 22nd day.
Our prediction: improved victory for Pau
UBB – La Rochelle
Crucial match in the race for qualification. Union Bordeaux-Bègles (3rd), strong on its historic victory on Jean-Dauger’s pitch, hosts La Rochelle (5th). In the event of victory, Maxime Lucu’s teammates can take a big step towards qualification. The Maritimes are under pressure from Toulon and Perpignan. In the event of defeat, Grégory Alldritt and his team could be pushed out of the top 6.
Our prediction: UBB victory
Toulouse – Stade Français
Everything is going well in the pink city. The Rouge et Noir are qualified for the Champions Cup final and have a large lead over UBB, third in the Top 14. Better still, they could take the lead in the championship this Sunday by beating Stade Français. Toulouse have not yet lost at home this season and intend to maintain their undefeated fortress. For his part, the Parisian leader is also ahead and can come uninhibited to Ernest-Wallon. However, he knows that he will need a big performance to overcome the reigning French champions.
Our prediction: victory for Toulouse
