Six days from the end of the regular phase, nine teams can still qualify. Direct confrontations will weigh very heavily.
In our forecasts, we exclude the candidacies of Clermont too far (ten points) from the current sixth place and four other teams (Castres, Perpignan, Pau and Brive) who will rather play the maintenance. The slightest success outside between qualifying candidates will be decisive. But Montpellier, the outgoing champion could not qualify and Toulon and / or Racing could accompany him.
> Toulouse (67 pts)
For the qualification, it will be very soon given the 19 points lead over the seventh. But it is above all one of the first two places that the Toulouse are aiming for. With three successes ahead of the third, the direct ticket for Anoeta should also be quickly composted. A clear round at home should suffice.
> La Rochelle (56 pts)
Qualification on the ropes but it will be difficult to grab second place for the European champion who will still have to lead two competitions at the same time and face three difficult trips against three candidates for qualification (Toulon, Montpellier and especially Bordeaux- Bègles from this weekend).
> French Stadium (55 pts)
The Parisian club has a little margin but it should not miss at home against three big players: Racing, Toulouse and Lyon. And it won’t be easy outside either (Brive, Clermont and La Rochelle) where Quesada’s men have three consecutive defeats.
> Lyon (54 pts)
This is the best record of the last five days with four wins for one defeat. The LOU have a double count match this weekend with the reception of Toulon which they could put at ten points if successful. Lyon will then have two affordable receptions (Bayonne, Usap) but three difficult trips (Toulouse, Bordeaux and Stade Français). Hence the importance of Lyon – Toulon this weekend.
> Bordeaux-Bègles (53 pts)
With three consecutive victories, the Union is back in the race for qualification. But the hardest part remains to be done with five oppositions against candidates for qualification (receptions from La Rochelle and Lyon, trips to Racing, Toulouse and Toulon) to which must be added the reception from Pau.
> Bayonne (50 pts)
Will the party last until the end? Possible insofar as Rowing can continue its full card at home (Pau, Montpellier, Clermont). In any case, it will be hard to grab something outside (La Rochelle, Racing and Lyon). The Basque club is also dependent on the results of its pursuers. For example, if Toulon or Racing win once away while winning everything at home, they will also have to win away.
> Toulon (48 pts)
The Var club will have to win once more away (Lyon, Castres and Racing) than the clubs that precede it while remaining master at home (Usap, La Rochelle, Bordeaux).
> Racing (47 pts)
It’s the same scenario as Toulon. You have to refuel at home and win at least once away (Stade Français, Usap, Clermont)
> Montpellier (44 points)
The French champion has almost no room for error, especially during a direct confrontation at home. But it is playable outside for the champion (Usap, Bayonne, Pau).
