Top 14 Predictions: Match Previews and Predictions for the 8th Day of Top 14 Rugby

Toulon – Castres

After its major success on the Clermont pitch, Pierre Mignoni’s men return to their Mayol where they will face Castres who are having a very good start to the season. Solid at home, but also capable of big blows away like in La Rochelle, Castres could cause trouble in the Var. But in its lair, Toulon is currently undefeated and galvanized by its latest victory. The Rouge et Noir could well overcome Castres.

Our prediction: victory for Toulon, defensive bonus for Castres

Bordeaux-Bègles – Perpignan

The UBB did not come close to a big blow in La Rochelle, but the Bordelais collapsed at the end of the match. At home this time, and against Perpignan, the situation is not the same. With its five-star three-quarter line, Bordeaux might want to console itself. Even if the USAP reacted well after its poor start to the season, this trip seems complicated for the Sang et Or who could leave with their suitcases full.

Our prediction: improved victory for Bordeaux

Lyon – Bayonne

Lyon, who have had two defeats in a row (at home against Stade français then at Oyonnax), will want to get back on track against Bayonne. For their part, the Bayonnais have not always been comfortable away from home since their rise to the elite. If Gerland is not an impregnable fortress, Lou will be keen to recover and move away from the red zone. A victory could allow them to overtake the Basques.

Our prediction: victory for Lyon

Montpellier – Oyonnax

The time has come in Hérault. The time to redeem ourselves after the very bad start to the season, the time for the new staff to show that their appointment was the right choice and the time for the players to get back on their feet. Faced with Oyonnax, the Montpellier residents have a lot to prove, first of all to themselves. The reception of the little thumb of this championship is therefore timely. The MHR will first want to reassure itself ahead and crush the Aindinois pack. So, we might not see a big flight for 80 minutes, but Patrice Collazo and his men could achieve their goals.

Our prediction: victory for Montpellier

Pau – French stadium

Surprisingly this is one of the big matches at the start of the championship, the Béarnais are having a great start to the season despite their last defeat at Jean-Dauger. For their part, the Parisians are still first despite the derby lost at home and will therefore want to keep this place of choice against the Section. Two of the best defenses in the championship face each other, so we could be in for a tough fight on the Hameau lawn.

Our prediction: victory for Pau, defensive bonus for Stade français

Toulouse – Clermont

It was still a duel at the top a few seasons ago, it was even the poster for the dream final in 2019. Since then, the Toulouse residents are still at the forefront, the Clermontois have been a little downgraded. So, on the Ernest-Wallon pitch, we could witness a great meeting, between two teams inclined towards attack. With Antoine Dupont established as scrum-half, the Rouge et Noir will want to play, even if they will also have to resolve their problems up front. This trip promises to be complicated for ASM which has not won in Toulouse since 2014.

Our prediction: victory for Toulouse

Racing – La Rochelle

It’s a match at the top to close this 8th day. On the one hand, the Racingmen who have had a good start to the season remain on a victory at Jean-Bouin in the Paris derby. On the other, the Rochelais who, although they have won their last two matches, are not really reassured about the quality of their game. In a stadium which favors it, the two teams could lose their game. With a victory the Ciel et Blanc can overtake Stade Français in the rankings and take first place, which is enough to motivate them.

Our prediction: victory for Racing