In Top 14, the Section Paloise remained unsolved in the Ville Rose, while Aviron Bayonnais absolutely had to bring down the Corréziens to revive. The Blues will pass a big test with one of the favorites of the 6 Nations Tournament. In Pro D2, the BOPB has an opportunity to come back to the level of the leading duo, while the Stade Montois remains in danger at the edge of the red zone.
–Toulouse-Pau (31-9): not in the same category
The Section Paloise, after winning in Lyon, hoped to pull off another blow for the leader, seriously weakened both by the absence of many internationals and injured executives (almost an entire team), but also by three weeks without playing. But, Stade Toulousain showed that, despite this, it was playing a tone clearly above Béarnais, not invited at this level.
Pau will follow up with the reception of Toulon (February 20) before going to Bordeaux (March 6). A trip to Castres (March 27) and the reception of Bayonne for the derby (April 17); then trips to French stadium (April 24) and at Agent (May 8); the reception of Racing (May 15), shipping to La Rochelle (May 29) and finally the reception of Montpellier to close the regular season (June 5).
With 4 tries to 0, there was no photo and, in addition, Toulouse played 50 minutes too little, seriously lacking in rhythm. Without this, the correction could have been much heavier. In 25 minutes, the match was over with 3 converted tries for the Red and Black (24-3). No wonder then that the leader is clearly relaxed, with some inaccuracies and much less intensity.
If the Section has put heart into the fight, it has hardly had a chance to try, bouncing off a well-organized defense. Even on the penalties and on the scrums near the Toulouse line, it remained sterile.
In short, it is a very disappointing performance and we will have to show something else next weekend against Toulon at the Hameau.
Bayonne-Brive: regaining control with guts
Sunday February 14 at 7:05 p.m. (Rugby +)
Bayonnais Rowing must absolutely find the way to victory, after a bad series linked to the disruptions generated by the covid. Despite the cascade of injuries, he must find in his mind and in his guts the necessary resources to emerge from the uncomfortable position of barrage.
Yannick Bru will have to do without Romain Barthélémy (shoulder), Maxime Lafage (odds), Gaëtan Germain (adductors) and Ugo Boniface (foot) all injured in Castres.
After this match under pressure, two trips to Clermont (February 20) and Toulon (February 26), the comings of Lyon (March 6) et du Racing (March 27), then the revenge of the derby in Pau (April 17). For the home stretch: landings from Castres (April 24) and Bordeaux (May 8), then two trips to Toulouse (May 15) and to Montpellier (May 29), before ending the regular season by receiving the French stadium (June 5).
16th day of the Top 14
Friday February 12: Toulouse-Pau (31-9)
Saturday February 13: Bordeaux-Stade Français (2:45 p.m., Canal +); Racing-Lyon, Castres-Montpellier (5 p.m., Rugby +); Toulon-La Rochelle (9:05 p.m., Canal +)
Sunday February 14: Bayonne-Brive (7:05 p.m., Rugby +)
Postponed : Agen-Clermont
Top 14 ranking
Two clubs have escaped in the race for a direct qualification for the semi-finals. Six more are competing for the finals, while 5 are competing to avoid the relegation play-off. Agen is almost doomed to Pro D2.
- Direct qualification for the semi-finals: Toulouse (57), La Rochelle (50, 1 match less)
- Qualification for the play-offs: Racing (50), Clermont (45), Bordeaux (43), Toulon (43, 1 match less)
- Ranking midfielder: Stade Français (39, 1 match less), Lyon (39), Brive (34), Castres (33), Pau (30, 1 more match), Montpellier (27)
- Relegation: Bayonne (22, 2 matches less), Agen (2, 1 match less)
17e Top 14 day
Friday February 12 : Racing-Castres (20h45, Canal+ Sport)
Saturday February 20 : La Rochelle-Stade Français (2:45 p.m., Canal +); Pau-Toulon, Clermont-Bayonne, Brive-Bordeaux, Agen-Montpellier (5.45 p.m., Rugby +); Lyon-Toulouse (9:05 p.m., Canal +).
Ireland-France: with the goal of the title
Sunday February 14 at 4 p.m. (France 2)
After their great victory in Italy (10-50), the Blues will pass a serious test against the XV of Clover. The winner will take a first option to win this historic 6 Nations Tournament, entirely behind closed doors. The narrowly beaten Irish in Wales remain favorites, while the English who fell at home to the Scots seem a tone below.
For this match, Fabien Galthié largely trusted the same group with two exceptions, mainly related to the opponent. He started in 3rd row the Gersois de Castres, Jelonch, and the Clermontois Penaud on the wing.
Several changes on the bench: Uini Atonio replaces Dorian Aldegheri, Hassane Kolingar takes over from injured Jean-Baptiste Gros, while the Landais de Montpellier, Anthony Bouthier was preferred to Louis Carbonel.
The starting XV: Dulin – Penaud, Vincent, Fickou, Villière – (o) Jalibert, (m) Dupont – Ollivon (cap), Alldritt, Jelonch – Willemse, Le Roux – Haouas, Marchand, Baille.
The substitutes : Bourgarit, Kolingar, Atonio, R. Taofifenua, Cretin, Serin, Bouthier, Thomas.
The other three matches of the Blues
- Sunday February 28: France-Scotland (4 p.m.)
- Saturday March 13: England-France (5.45 p.m.)
- Saturday March 20: France-Wales (9 p.m.)
Mont-de-Marsan-Montauban (23-29): very bad deal
The Stade Montois could not take advantage of this new game at home to move away from the red zone. He will follow up with a trip to Valence (February 19), the reception of Carcassonne (February 26), an expedition to Vannes (March 5) and the reception of Grenoble (12th of March). A trap series not to be missed.
The Mons were quickly surprised and then left behind by the visitors (6-17). The Montalbanais, by turning at the break with an 11-point lead (9-20), showed good control.
The Landais could have taken things in hand when they returned from the locker room, thanks to a try and their numerical superiority (at 15 against 13), but it was the visitors who put the cover back. The Mons test before the siren did not make it possible to steal a defensive bonus.
Biarritz-Provence: to strengthen its place on the podium
Monday February 14 at 8:45 p.m. (Canal + Décalé)
The match of Biarritz has been postponed to Monday. The Basques must garner as many points as possible to get even closer to Vannes and Perpignan. Will follow: a trip to Carcassonne (February 19), the visit to Grenoble (February 26), a trip to Valence (March 5) and the reception of Oyonnax (March 12). A decisive series for the final stages.
19th day of Pro D2
Thursday February 11: Oyonnax-Angouleme (28-25)
Friday February 12 : Mont-de-Marsan-Montauban (23-29), Aurillac-Vannes (9-22), Béziers-Valence (19-9), Perpignan-Carcassonne (17-9), Rouen-Colomiers (19-23), Nevers-Grenoble (12-13)
Monday February 14: Biarritz-Provence (8:45 p.m., Canal + Décalé)
Pro D2 ranking
The Pro D2 is split into 4 groups. First, Perpignan, Vannes and Biarritz who took the lead. Four well-placed teams follow for the finals. Then, 4 teams remain in contention to try to qualify. Finally, 5 teams are in a fight for the maintenance, even if Mont-de-Marsan with 2 games late can hope to take a little air.
- Direct qualification for the semi-finals: Vannes (69), Perpignan (67)
- Qualification for dams: Biarritz (59, 1 match less), Oyonnax (52), Nevers (50), Colomiers (49)
- Ranking midfielder: Grenoble (43), Montauban (39), Provence (38, 1 match less), Aurillac (36), Béziers (36), Carcassonne (34), Rouen (29), Mont-de-Marsan (28, 1 game less)
- Relegation: Valence Romans (27, 1 game less), Angoulême (23)
20th day of Pro D2
Thursday 18 February: Colomiers-Béziers (8:45 p.m.)
Friday 19 February : Valence-Mont-de-Marsan, Grenoble-Aurillac, Angoulême-Perpignan, Montauban-Rouen, Vannes-Nevers (19h)
Sunday 21 February: Provence-Oyonnax (2.30 p.m.), Carcassonne-Biarritz (5.15 p.m.)
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