The ninth day of Top 14 will be played on the pitch this weekend. Here are our predictions, notably with the Bordelais who are exporting well, but also the Catalans and the imperial Bayonnais at home.
Clermont – Bordeaux-Bègles
The Clermontois remain in a big disappointment away, in Paris (36-6). The Auvergnats are used to these away setbacks during this exercise: they achieved a sad 0/20 far from the Michelin. But for the moment, Christophe Urios' men are compensating at home with a flawless performance. But now, a home slide could happen. The ax almost fell against the RCT in October (19-18). And there, it is a UBB team much less weakened than expected, with the contributions of Lucu, Buros or other Gazzotti released by the XV of France, which arrives. The Girondins will come to win on a ground which is successful for them, like their success acquired last season.
Our prediction: success for UBB, defensive bonus for Clermont
Castres – Montpellier
The Castres are imperial this season at Pierre-Fabre. The Tarnais should continue this good series at home, especially as they will want to forget this minor defeat on the lawn of Vannes. Opposite, Montpellier deplores numerous absences, including that of their best flyhalf this season Stuart Hogg. Despite a competitive team, Joan Caudullo's men should give in to the fury of Castres!
Our prediction: victory for Castres
Toulon – Lyon
This Monday, the Toulonnais had a headache after this very heavy setback conceded on the pitch in Toulouse (57-5). Certainly, the formation sent to the Stadium was reshuffled, but the scale of the score and the content of the Var performance must not have really pleased Pierre Mignoni… With the probable returns to the starting fifteen of Antoine Frisch, Baptiste Serin, Charles Ollivon or Lewis Ludlam, the thrush club should display a very different face to finish this block. Beaten at Gerland by Bayonne on the last day, Lyon will wait to find their way back to victory…
Our prediction: improved success for Toulon
Pau – Racing 92
The Section finishes its hellish sequence. After the reception of Toulouse and a trip to Chaban, the Palois welcome a Racing 92 winner of three of its last four matches. Pau will therefore finally have to pay off and earn points in the standings to be able to have a warm break. The Ile-de-France residents travel to the Hamlet without two executives retained in Marcoussis: Nolann Le Garrec and Gaël Fickou. Absences of note which could heavily impact the performance of Stuart Lancaster's men.
Our prediction: victory for Pau
Perpignan – Vannes
The Fear Match. In Aimé-Giral perhaps the most decisive match of this ninth day is being played, between two teams lacking points. The Catalans, orphans of around twenty elements, came close to bringing home a good point from their trip to Paris La Défense Arena. In the end, many regrets and new players were added to the long list of injured players before this crucial reception. Bretons who will make the trip with ambition, after a high-level performance in front of their audience, in one of the rare stadiums that they already know.
Our prediction: victory for Perpignan
La Rochelle – French stadium
The Rochelais must (again) be forgiven. After a “fanny” in the Montpellier rain, the teammates of Oscar Jegou, who returns for the occasion, must absolutely achieve victory. Yes, but now, the Parisians have perhaps just launched their season following their improved success against Clermont. Above all, the Pink Soldiers only have one tricolor (Léo Barré) remaining in the XV of France, and can count on a large part of their workforce. Enough to bring down Marcel-Deflandre for the first time this season?
Our prediction: success for La Rochelle
Bayonne – Toulouse
The shock of this ninth day of Top 14. The third receives the first in a Jean-Dauger white hot for the occasion. Aviron Bayonne is on cloud nine recently, having collected thirteen points in their last three matches, including a success in the capital of Gaul where the Basques planted no less than 49 units. A necessary confidence before welcoming the double reigning French champion. Authors of three successes in four trips, the Toulousains seem to manage the trips perfectly and will finally want to impose themselves in a stadium which has resisted them since 2020. But handicapped by duplicates, the Rouge et Noir will not appear in full force in the Basque Country .
Our prediction: victory for Bayonne, defensive bonus for Toulouse
