Stade Toulousain: a well-oiled machine
Stade Toulousain is flying over this first part of the season. With only one defeat in their last nine matches, the Rouge et Noir show impressive consistency. Last weekend, they won two valuable points in Lyon despite a large turnover and a complicated first half.
Second after the victory of Bordeaux-Bègles this Saturday, the Toulouse residents are aiming for first place. The return of their internationals, such as Antoine Dupont, reinforces their status as potential leader. Everything seems aligned for them to conclude this first phase in style.
The Stade Français: a team in reconstruction
Conversely, Stade Français is having a difficult season. Currently 11th with 23 points, the capital club is struggling to win. Although the victory against Perpignan last weekend ended a series of three defeats, the team remains far from the expected level.
With an attack in difficulty and a team still fragile, Paris seems to be focusing more on maintaining than on qualifying for the final stages. In addition, for this trip to Toulouse, Gonzalo Quesada chose to rotate his squad in preparation for the reception of Bordeaux-Bègles.
A one-way encounter
On paper, Stade Toulousain is the clear favorite. In great shape and with a full squad, it appears difficult for Paris to compete. The Classico seems to lean clearly in favor of Toulouse, who should logically win.
To summarizethis Classico between Toulouse and Paris pits two teams with opposite trajectories against each other. Undisputed favorite, Stade Toulousain should logically win against a Stade Français in difficulty, which is already focusing on maintaining objectives.
