While the Pro D2 is at rest until the next weekend, the elite championship continues with a succession of events. We are far from the long quiet river.
–Aviron Bayonnais locked in the covid
It is confirmed the virus transmitted by the English team of Leicester is indeed the new variant detected across the Channel. In total, 10 people have tested positive and the Regional Health Agency has imposed the extension of the total closure of the club until January 7.
After the postponement of the meetings to Castres (December 27) and against Pau to Jean-Dauger (January 2), it is a third that will have to be postponed: the one Toulon (January 8). It is, in fact, impossible to launch players into combat without training. We can also imagine that the new European match, scheduled for Leicester January 15, will not be maintained; as well as the meeting against Zebras, the 22nd.
Aviron Bayonnais could only resume competition with the reception ofAgent (January 30), then that of Brive (February 13), before going to Clermont (February 20) and welcome Lyon (6 mars).
The Section Paloise only has the Jaunards and … the virus in its header
For the Béarnais, the only objective is to confirm a “better” by taking the measure of Clermont (Saturday January 9) at the Hameau stadium, after beating the Stade Français. It is imperative to move away from the red zone in a championship where the fight for maintenance is formidable with increasingly competitive teams.
However, the training sessions will be dependent on the results of the tests in progress, since several players have been detected positive for covid.
Then, Pau will travel twice to large: Lyon (January 30) and at Toulouse (February 13). The Section will continue with the reception of Toulon (February 20) and an expedition to Bordeaux (March 6). Heavy !
Changes in Castres and Montpellier
After Pau, it was Castres who decided to change its staff with the arrival of Gersois Pierre-Henry Broncan and Landais David Darricarrère, alongside Mauricio Reggiardo. This electroshock had a big effect since the Tarnais went to beat Lyon in their den. An XXL performance, at 14 against 15 during most of the meeting, which restores the morale of the troops and allows them to leave the place of barrage.
This Sunday, it was Montpellier which formalized the dismissal of Xavier Garbajosa and the seizure of power by Philippe Saint-André; Olivier Azam and Jean-Baptiste Ellisalde remain in post at his side. The Héraultais hope for the same click as the Castres, from Wednesday, with a late match against Lyon.
13th day of the Top 14 – last day of the first leg
Bordeaux-Toulon (31-18), Montpellier-Toulouse (9-16), Agen-La Rochelle (12-43), Lyon-Castres (14-15)
Sunday January 3 : Stade Français-Brive (6 p.m.); Clermont-Racing (9:05 p.m.)
Postponed : Bayonne-Pau
Top 14 ranking
The ranking of the Top 14 remains largely disturbed by the many postponed matches, but begins to emerge three groups. La Rochelle, Toulouse and Racing escape in the lead. Behind, 5 teams are in contention for the final stages. Finally, 5 teams will fight to avoid the dangerous position of barrage: Brive, Bayonne, Pau, Castres and Montpellier; there will be no freebies between these competitors who will each raise their level of play. Agen is almost doomed to the descent.
- Direct qualification for the semi-finals: La Rochelle (44), Toulouse (42)
- Qualification for the play-offs: Racing (37, 1 match less), Toulon (33, 1 match less), Lyon (30, 2 matches less), Stade Français (29, 1 match less)
- Ranking midfielder: Clermont (28, 2 matches less), Bordeaux (28, 1 match less), Brive (22), Bayonne (21, 2 matches less), Pau (21, 1 match less), Castres (20, 2 matches less)
- Relegation: Montpellier (17, 3 games less), Agen (2)
14th day of the Top 14
Saturday January 9 : Racing-La Rochelle (3.15 p.m., Canal +); Pau-Clermont and Castres-Agen (6.30 p.m., Rugby +)
Sunday January 10 : Brive-Montpellier (2:30 p.m., Canal + Sport); Bordeaux-Lyon (5 p.m., Canal + Sport; Toulouse-Stade Français (9:05 p.m., Canal +)
Postponed : Toulon-Bayonne
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