French Top 14 week nine: Preview
Heading into the ninth week of play in the French Top 14 we are beginning to see the likely candidates finally emerging from the pack. Nevertheless, the table is still very close and a single week can
change a great deal in the standings.
Toulon vs. Castres
Toulon had no trouble last week against a weak Bourgoin-Jallieu side, winning by 23 points. Toulon is hoping they have finally hit their stride this season and will look to roll past Castres.
Castres suffered a loss last week at the hands of Clermont Auvergne and will need to bring a better effort if they hope to get back above .500 after round nine.
Toulon is in fourth with 23 points, while Castes is in 10th with 18 points.
Bougoin-Jallieau vs. Brive
Bourgoin-Jallieu is coming off another big loss over the weekend, this time at the hands of Toulon. Bougoin is almost guaranteed to face relegation if they continue to play such weak rugby.
Brive played their way to a tie with Toulouse last week. Brive surprised the favourites with their defensive skill and will be looking to maintain their form and add to the win column in round nine.
Bourgoin is currently in 14th with six points, while Brive is in 11th with 17 points.
Clermont Auvergne vs. Agen
Clermont is coming off an easy victory over Castres last week and continues to find themselves in the middle of the standings. However, this week they have a perfect opportunity to move up with a game
against a weak Agen side.
Agen has struggle all season and is coming off their sixth loss of the year, this time at the hands of Stade Francais.
Clermont is currently in seventh with 19 points, while Agen is in 13th with seven points.
Perpignan vs. La Rochelle
After starting off the season inconsistent Perpignan seems to have found their form over the last three weeks. The club is coming off an impressive one point win over Bayonne and should not have any trouble
against La Rochelle in round nine.
La Rochelle has somehow managed to stay out of the basement with consistent poor play. Nevertheless, after another loss last week their chances to avoid relegation are running out.
Perpignan is currently in fifth with 22 points, while La Rochelle is in 12th with 10 points.
Stade Francais vs. Montpellier
Stade Francais hopes to have finally rebounded from four weeks of poor play with a win over Agen in round eight. However, they will have their hands full with an impressive Montpellier side.
Montpellier had an easy match-up against La Rochelle last week, in which they once again displayed their defensive prowess, only allowing six points. They will hope to continue their strong defensive game
against Stade this weekend.
Stade Francais is currently in ninth with 19 points, while Montpellier is in first with 27 points.
Toulouse vs. Racing Metro
Toulouse faces off against Racing Metro in the game of the week and will have to be better than they were last week when they tied Brive.
Meanwhile Racing Metro are coming off a win over Biarritz, but only scored 17 points and will have to find their offensive game against a much better Toulouse side.
Toulouse is currently in third with 23 points, while Racing is in second with 27 points.
Bayonne vs. Biarritz
Bayonne is looking to work their way back to top of the table with a win over an inconsistent Biarritz side this week.
Meanwhile, Biarritz will be keen to get back above .500 after suffering a loss to Racing Metro last week.
Bayonne is currently in sixth with 22 points, while Biarritz is in eighth with 19 points.
Tags: