Stung to the quick
The doubles period had started well for Stade Toulousain, with two successes at home against Montpellier (23-9) and Bayonne (21-16), before spoiling last week against Toulon (17-6). Long in numerical superiority, the leader was not able to register the slightest try despite his domination. A rare offensive sterility which pushed Ugo Mola to sting his three-quarters at the end of the meeting.
They will no doubt seek to answer him against Pau. The Béarnais, in the fight to maintain, have just cashed six tries in Perpignan (49-29), but had won the first leg. “The players questioned themselves. We tried to stimulate them so that they become aware of the quality of the group despite the absences, ”said Toulouse forwards coach Virgile Lacombe.
The Stade Français, runner-up to the Rouge et Noir in the standings, also remains on a defeat, on the wire in Bayonne (29-26). The Parisians will want to revive Jean-Bouin against Montpellier. Only ninth, the defending champion is going through a bad patch with four defeats in five league games.
In-game podium
The period is much better for Lyon, currently on a series of four victories before putting their third place on the line in a tantalizing clash at the top of the table against Racing 92. After a mixed start to the season, the men of Xavier Garbajosa, led by Josua Tuisova currently on a cloud, seem to have found the right carburation.
They can also count on the return of Georgian international winger Davit Niniashvili, while Scottish opener Finn Russell will notably be lacking on the Ile-de-France side, even if Antoine Gibert shines in his absence. The other team in form at the moment, Toulon, will aim for the pass of four on Sunday in Clermont, still fragile despite the arrival of Christophe Urios at its head.
The Auvergnats, tenth, have no room for error on their ground if they want to keep a (slight) hope of qualifying for the final phase.
A Davidson effect?
It also moved on the bench of Castres. Pierre-Henry Broncan, who led his team to the Top 14 final last season, was replaced earlier this week by Jeremy Davidson. The former coach of Brive will lead his first match with CO, which has still not won away this season, in Bayonne, which has still not lost at home this season.
“What I expect from the players this weekend is a big presentation of Castres identity. Let them be proud, after the game, of the jersey they wore,” Davidson asked.
Difficult movements also await the three direct competitors of the Tarnais for maintenance. Brive, new red lantern, will have an almost impossible mission in La Rochelle, third. Perpignan, which remains on three straight wins, goes to Bordeaux and Pau goes to Toulouse.
