Lyon on a mission
Despite three setbacks in a row, the Lou is still in the game. The three bonuses gleaned along the way can save the head of the Lyonnais. But, for that, you will have to win, again with the bonus, and hope.
A first – and last – victory would allow Xavier Garbajosa’s men to secure a continental future, whether in the Champions Cup or the Challenge Cup.
Lyon remains on two losses in a row at home, against Brive (30-27) and Saracens (28-20). This time it will be necessary to take care of its start against the South Africans, winners in the first leg (42-36), to see further.
The challenge of Racing 92
A feat or nothing. Badly embarked with two defeats and a single victory, Racing 92 has no choice but to bring down Leinster (1is with three victories), at home, to afford the right to dream.
After a negative series, the Ciel et Blancs recovered their heads a week ago against the Harlequins (30-29). If they played to scare themselves in front of the English, Finn Russell’s teammates above all managed to keep their chances of qualification alive. It now remains to finish the job in Ireland, facing the horde of Leinster internationals and their four European Cup titles. Easy.
La Rochelle and Toulouse in an armchair
Already assured of a ticket to the final phase, Toulouse, winner in 2020, and La Rochelle, crowned the following year, are always aiming higher. Further success, their fourth in the competition, would secure them a place in the top four, synonymous with the round of 16 at home.
Winners in Ireland (18-13), the Rouge et Noir will want to confirm at home against the province of Munster and chain an eighth victory in nine games, all competitions combined. Last scorer of Toulouse (30-7), the club with the caravel, defending champion, also intends to win the victory, its thirteenth consecutive on the continental scene, on the ground of the English of Northampton, good last of the hen.
Montpellier and Clermont want to believe it
Respectively 7e et 8e of their pool, Montpellier (7 pts) and Clermont (6 pts) have not said their last word. The Héraultais, who receive the London Irish, and the Auvergnats, traveling to South Africa with the Stormers, therefore go on the attack with the sole objective of taking points.
Head for Cape Town for ASM, which has just recruited Christophe Urios even if the former boss of UBB will not be present against the South Africans. “We are going to live between us for five or six days, we are going to unite, spend time together and give everything to make a big match”, explained Paul Jedrasiak.
For his part, Castres has clearly made the Top 14 his priority and, after three defeats in a row and zero points, has nothing more to expect from the Champions Cup except to finish in Exeter on a good note.
