Top 14 – USAP down Montpellier, Stade français fall at Clermont… Day 22 Predictions

Toulouse – Racing 92 (Saturday 3pm)

For the third time since the beginning of the year, the citizens of Toulouse and Ile-de-France meet each other. The first two opuses resulted in a victory for Rouge et Noir. If Racing 92 comes with big intentions and a very different team, with the presence of Nolann Le Garrec, ahead of a Champions Cup semi-final against Harlequins, Stade Toulouse will want to build confidence and secure their place in the top two. Antoine Dupont and his teammates are unbeaten at home since the start of the season and intend to maintain that record.

Our prediction: win for Toulouse

Bayonne – Bordeaux-Bègles (Saturday 17:00)

After missing the second leg at Jean-Bouin last Saturday, Bayonnais finds Jean-Dauger to face UBB, with the desire to collect points to ensure their maintenance. Yannick Bru’s men are right in the fight for the top 6 and easily get rid of Clermontois. They are now looking for a very big move on the outside. Ending the endless invincibility of Bayonnais under Jean Dauger would be one of them.

Our prediction: victory for Bayonne, defensive bonus for UBB

Oyonnax – Castres (Saturday 17:00)

Oyonnax continued on Saturday against Racing 92, a tenth game without a win. They have not won since December 29, 2023. Against Castres, they will once again try to end this sad series. Conversely, Mathieu Babillot’s teammates, despite a bad record, are still in the fight for the final phase. You need to pick up points away from home to have any hope and the opportunity is a dream come true.

Our prediction: win for Castres, defensive bonus for Oyonnax

Lyon – Pau (Saturday 17:00)

LOU is in great danger. Baptiste Couilloud and his teammates were beaten in Perpignan last weekend, and the threat of a playoff position is becoming more and more serious. At all costs, they must not lose at home. On the opposite side, Palois (7th before the meeting) have escaped the Montpellier trap and want to look up. A win in Lyon this weekend would allow them to stay in touch with the top 6.

Our prediction: win for Pau, defensive bonus for Lyon

Montpellier – Perpignan (Saturday 17:00)

It is the most anticipated match of the weekend. First because it’s a derby, but especially for everything that happened upstream. Perpignan is riding on excellent momentum and may even believe in a qualification. She is sure to go through a big battle at GGL Stadion on Saturday. Montpellier, on the other hand, no longer have the right to make mistakes and a defeat would seriously compromise the end of Cistes’ season.

Our prediction: win for Perpignan, defensive bonus for Montpellier

Clermont – Stade français (Saturday 5pm)

Clermont also no longer has the right to make mistakes. Clermontois, who aimed for the top 6, is today condemned to play to survive. After taking a beating in Bordeaux in a nasty game on their side, the reception of the Parisian leader may be the right time to return to a better dynamic. On the other hand, Parisians seem untouchable these days. A win at Clermont this Saturday would almost guarantee them a definitive leadership position.

Our prediction: win for Clermont

La Rochelle – Toulon (Sunday 21:00)

La Rochelle came very close to a win in Castres last weekend. At home, Ronan O’Gara’s men must collect points with a view to qualifying for the play-offs, which is far from assured. The Toulonnais have struggled to escape the Toulouse trap at the Vélodrome and could rotate at the Marcel Deflandre stadium ahead of two games against Lyon and Oyonnax where they must be full houses.

Our prediction: improved win for La Rochelle