Back to current affairs. After the international break, which saw the Blues win three times, including last week against New Zealand, the Top 14 resumes its rights this weekend.
In difficulty at the start of the season, La Rochelle now seems to have found its rhythm and is gradually rising to the top of the standings. The Maritimes did not give details against Pau (36-8), scoring five tries (three in first, two in second) and temporarily climb back to 4th place in the standings.
In the other three matches of the afternoon, it was not until the end to know the outcome.
Long in the lead in Perpignan, Clermont was surprised in the 79th on a test from Brazo and a transformation from Jaminet (26-24), impeccable at the foot (4 penalties, 2 transformations). The Auvergnats are missing a good opportunity to settle in the top 6.
The promoted Catalan is reviving but does not leave the red zone, his direct competitors having also won.
Biarritz is tearing itself apart, Montpellier has trembled
Like USAP, Biarritz also revolted against Stade Français (17-14). After a good first period (10-3), the Biarrots lost their footing and let the Ile-de-France residents come back into the game and then take the lead.
But the BO was torn off and thanks to Soury (76th), won for the fourth time of the season and returned to a point behind his opponent of the day.
Montpellier was also scared at home but ended up taming Castres (25-24) and moved to 3rd place. Quietly in the lead 10 minutes from the end, the Hérault people conceded two tries in quick succession from Ardron (71st) and Ben-Nicholas (74th).
But Serfontein (80th) and Garbisi’s boot on the mermaid saved the furniture for Philippe Saint-André’s MHR.
Toulon looks up
Temporarily fallen to last place before playing, Toulon reacted well by dropping Lyon (19-13) to Mayol, in a match marked by the serious injury of Mathieu Bastareaud.
A test by Paia’Aua at the end of the first period was enough to make the Varois happy, Belleau and Carbonel ensuring the rest of the points at the foot.
Lyon, for its part, misses the opportunity to regain its place on the podium and falls to 5th place.
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