2024-02-16 15:03:11
Stade Français, Toulouse, Bordeaux Bègles and Racing 92, installed in the first four ranks of the Top 14, will try at the same time on Saturday, at 5:00 p.m., to preserve their places at the top of the ranking during the 15th day.
Stade Français to confirm
Winner of its last two away games, Stade Français (41 points), leader of the Top 14, was more difficult at home and will be keen to perform in front of its home crowd against Perpignan (11th, 26 points).
“Our last good match at home was against Toulouse and it’s already been a month and a half. We have to show that we are not first for nothing, especially at home”declared winger Lester Etien, lucid about the poor performances of his team at Jean-Bouin, against Clermont and in the Champions Cup.
Opposite, USAP, which will need to gain points with a view to maintaining its position, will be able to count on the return of its French internationals Posolo Tuilagi and Italian Tommaso Allan.
Toulouse without Dupont this time
Despite the absences of his internationals, monopolized by the Six Nations Tournament, the reigning French champion launched the period of doubles perfectly with a victory for Racing 92 (27-20) and another, improved, against Bayonne (46 -26).
The Toulouse residents were then able to count, before he joined the French sevens rugby team to prepare for the Olympic Games, on their scrum half Antoine Dupont, who will be absent this time for the reception of the promoted Oyonnax, before last in the ranking.
“It was an undeniable asset in these first two meetings”recognized Toulouse back coach Clément Poitrenaud. “We will obviously miss him, but at the same time, we have to know how to live without Antoine”.
The Rouge et Noir, tied for second on points with Stade Français, will however be able to count on third row and neo-international Alexandre Roumat, winger Matthis Lebel and Italian international full-back Ange Capuozzo.
Bordeaux Bègles to relaunch a series
After stringing together five victories, Bordeaux Bègles ended its good series against Stade français on the 13th day. Winner in Toulon two weeks ago, UBB (3rd, 41 points) will have the opportunity against Pau (9th, 32 points) to restart a series of successes.
But if the Six Nations Tournament takes a break this weekend, five of the seven French internationals from the UBB called by Fabien Galthié to prepare for the match against Italy will not be able to play against Pau, being part of the list of the 19 players protected by the FFR.
A surprise team at the start of the season, the Palois could take advantage of this to end a series of four losses which pushed them out of the qualifying places.
Racing 92 must catch up
Swept away in Perpignan (26-5), Racing 92 (4th, 40 points) will have the opportunity to make up for it against bottom-place Montpellier (14th, 20 points).
“It was a complicated match for us. We have already lost matches but I told the players that I was disappointed by the mentality and the consistency.explained Stuart Lancaster.
But despite the MHR ranking, the Racingmen are wary: “they have very good players and are not in their usual place”recognized scrum half Clovis Le Bail.
In the other matches on Saturday, La Rochelle (8th, 35 points) will travel to Lyon (12th, 24 points) and Bayonne (10th, 28 points) will host Clermont (6th, 35 points). This 15th day will end on Sunday with the trip from Toulon (5th, 37 points) to Castres (7th, 35 points).
#Stade #Français #Toulouse #Bordeaux #Bègles #Racing #unmissable #multiplex #Saturday