French Top 14 Rd 7

French Top 14 Rd 7
Friday
Clermont Auvergne* v Stade Francais     13:50
Saturday
Agen* v Bordeaux Begles     11:30
Grenoble* v Racing Metro 92*     11:30
Montpellier* v Castres     11:30
Perpignan* v Mont-de-Marsan     11:30
Toulouse* v Toulon                   13:45
Sunday
Biarritz* v Bayonne                   10:00

 

Preview: Clermont v Stade Français

Clermont will be aiming to set a new record for consecutive home matches without a loss in Friday's Top 14 clash against Stade Français at Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin.

Les Jaunards have not lost on home soil since November 2008, an unbeaten streak that includes 44 victories and two draws.
Indeed, the task at hand seems mighty steep for the Parisian visitors who have lost on their last ten visits to the Auvergne.
Stade Français have struggled this season and are lying a lowly tenth in the standings, despite a morale-boosting win over Perpignan last week. And things are not likely to get much better in the near future with clashes against Toulouse and Toulon on the menu in the next three rounds.
Clermont have yet to hit top form yet but nevertheless lie second, with five wins from their six games.
In team news, the hosts have to make do without skipper Aurelien Rougerie, who has a back injury, but they have quality replacement in the form of former Blues centre Benson Stanley.
Stade Français coach Richard Pool-Jones has chosen to rotate his squad, leaving first-choice full-back and goal-kicker Jerome Porical on the bench while the likes of Felipe Contepomi and Sergio Parisse have not been included.
Kiwi Aled De Malmanche returns to the starting XV (at hooker) while Geoffrey Doumayrou and Jeremy Sinzelle form a new-look midfield.
The teams:
ASM Clermont Auvergne: 15 Lee Byrne, 14 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 13 Benson Stanley, 12 Wesley Fofana, 11 Naipolioni Nalaga, 10 David Skrela, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Damien Chouly, 7 Alexandre Lapandry, 6 Julien Bonnaire, 5 Julien Pierre, 4 Jamie Cudmore, 3 Daniel Kotze, 2 Benjamin Kayser, 1 Thomas Domingo.
Replacements: 16 Benoit Cabello, 17 Raphael Chaume, 18 Loic Jacquet, 19 Elvis Vermeulen, 20 Ludovic Radosavljevic, 21 Brock James , 22 Regan King, 23 Vincent Debaty.
Stade Français Paris: 15 Hugo Bonneval, 14 Waisea Vuidravuwalu, 13 Geoffrey Doumayrou, 12 Jeremy Sinzelle, 11 Francis Fainifo, 10 Paul Warwick, 9 Jerome Fillol, 8 David Lyons, 7 Scott Lavalla, 6 Antoine Burban, 5 Pascal Pape, 4 Alexandre Flanquart, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 Aled De malmanche 1 Stanley Wright.
Replacements: 16 Remi Bonfils, 17 David Attoub, 18 Pierre Rabadan, 19 Leiataua Tomiki, 20 Nicolas Bezy, 21 Jerome Porical, 22 Paul Williams, 23 Zurabi Zhvania,
Date: Friday, September 28
Venue: Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin, Clermont Ferrand
Kick-off: 20.50 (20.50 GMT)
Referee: Sébastien Clouté
Pete says. What a great side Cllermont is on paper. Yet they let in 20 pts by newly promoted grenoble last week
Clermont by 15

Clermont steal dramatic late win

A dramatic last-gasp drop goal from fly-half Brock James gave Clermont Auvergne a dramatic 28-25 win over Stade Francais in their Top 14 clash at the Stade Marcel Michelin.

Defending champions Toulouse host Top 14 leaders Toulon on Saturday while the stakes are high in Sunday's Basque derby in Biarritz.

There were fears that Toulon's trip to the sold-out Stadium de Toulouse would become a non-event when RCT coach Bernard Laporte announced he was resting a raft of his top players after six wins on the trot, but a glance at this weekend's squad - featuring names like Michalak, Giteau, Jenkins, Hayman and Bastareaud - should reassure fans they'll get a quality contest.
Elsewhere, play-off hopefuls Montpellier and Castres will do battle on the Mediterranean coast while Perpignan will expect to win at home to struggling Mont-de-Marsan.
Racing face a tricky trip to Grenoble while Agen and Bordeaux-Begles are hoping to stay clear of the relegation zone.
Sunday's Basque derby, which has been moved from Spain back to Biarritz, is a huge game for Bayonne, who have had a terrible start to the season.
Fixtures:
Friday, September 28

Clermont v Stade Français -
Saturday, September 29
Agen v Bordeaux-Bègles
Grenoble v Racing Métro 92
Montpellier v Castres
Perpignan v Mont-de-Marsan
Toulouse v Toulon
Sunday, September 30
Biarritz v Bayonne


Standings:
1 Toulon 27
2 Clermont 23
3 Toulouse 20
4 Biarritz 18
5 Racing-Metro 18
6 Castres 15
7 Montpellier 15
8 Grenoble 14
9 Perpignan 11
10 Stade Français 10
11 Agen 10
12 Bordeaux-Begles 9
13 Bayonne 7
14 Mont-de-Marsan 0
Previews:
SU Agen v Union Bordeaux-Bègles
Stade Armandie, Agen
After a slow start to the season, Agen have picked up back-to-back wins (over Grenoble and Mont-de-Marsan) and will fancy their chances against a Bordeaux side that have blown hot and cold this term.
Agen's resurgence has a lot to do with sorting out their defensive issues. After conceding 94 points and 12 tries in two games, they've got their ducks - and defenders - in a row.
Bordeaux-Begles have won just once in their last five visits to Agen.
It's a crucial clash for both teams as the losers risk dropping into the relegation zone while the winners should climb into mid-table.
Results last season: Agen won 24-15 at home; Bordeaux won 29-15 at home
Prediction: Agen is looking better every week. Agen by seven points
Kick-off: 18:30 (16.30 GMT)
Referee: Philippe Bonhoure
Goosen starts for Agen so Agen by 5

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FC Grenoble v Racing Métro 92
Stade des Alpes (Grenoble)
After completely dominating Stade Français at home last month, Grenoble - who have the joint-best attack in the championship so far - will be hoping for a repeat against the other club from Paris.
The hosts are feeling confident as they have moved the clash to the much larger Stade des Alpes for the first time this season.
But les Grenoblois will probably start as the underdogs against the Racing team that has been in good form on the road having won twice and picked up a bonus point outside the capital.
Victory over Biarritz last week was further proof that Racing are genuine title contenders this season.
Previous result: Racing won 15-7 (ProD2 in 2009)
Prediction: Les Fanciliens are traveling well at the moment. Racing by less than seven points
Kick-off: 18:30 (16.30 GMT)
Referee: Gérard Borreani
Pete agrees based on limited info ofeither teamsheet

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Montpellier Hérault Rugby v Castres Olympique
Stade Yves Du Manoir, Montpellier
Level on points after six rounds, Montpellier and Castres have become accustomed to racing each other for a spot in the play-offs.
Montpellier were disappointed to be left empty-handed at home to Toulon but made up for that loss somewhat with a big win on the road to Bordeaux last week.
Inconsistency has long been a problem for les Héraultias but Fabien Galthié's team are starting to gather some momentum.
Castres have made a solid start to the season and won't be too worried by the hiding received in Toulon last week since they sent a rather below-strength side.
Castres have won the last three meetings between these sides, including their last game in Montpellier.
Results last season: Castres won both games, 21-16 away and 31-15 at home
Prediction: Montpellier are still missing a bunch of Pumas, but should have enough firepower at home. Montpellier by five points
Kick-off: 18:30 (16.30 GMT)
Referee: Salem Attalah

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USA Perpignan v Stade Montois
Stade Aimé Giral, Perpignan
Perpignan are going from strength to strength having claimed victory over Toulouse and a bonus point in Paris last week.
With an ambitious game plan and a positive attitude, the Catalans are playing entertaining rugby but are being punished for their indiscipline and are struggling at scrum time.
USAP were given a boost this week with the news that French international centre David Marty has extended his contract by three years.
Mont-de-Marsan need a win badly to revive their morale and their chances of avoiding relegation, but it's unlikely to come this weekend.
Previous result: Perpignan won 44-3 (in 2009)
Prediction: Mont-de-Marsan can't buy a win at the moment. Perpignan by fifteen points
Kick-off: 18:30 (16.30 GMT)
Referee: Bernard Dal Maso
Perps with their superstars and at home will win by 18

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Stade Toulousai v Rugby Club Toulonnais
Stadium de Toulouse
All the headlines in France this week have focused on Toulon's decision to rest 14 top players for the biggest game of the season. Toulouse aren't complaining - Guy Novès is renowned for choosing his battles and rotating his squad.
The Toulon stance has received sympathy from none other than France coach Philippe Saint-André, who said it was understandable given the number of matches played every season at club level.
"The problem is that they play 40 matches a year, which is too many," said Saint-André, who coached Toulon before taking over as France boss.
"Would you ask a boxer to fight 40 times a year? No, because if they did, they wouldn't be champion for long.
"If Toulon finished the first phase of the Top 14 20 points ahead but with 10 players injured and go on to lose in the semi-finals, they won't be champions of France."
Fear not for the contest however because RCT are still sending a star-studded team with former Toulouse favourite Fred Michalak returning home to start at fly-half.
For the hosts, props Antoine Guillamon and Vasil Kakovin, hooker Gary Botha, fly-half Lionel Beauxis and centre Yann David have all been ruled out with injury.
Good news is that Clément Poitrenaud should be fit despite missing training this week
Toulon squad:
Forwards: Steffon Armitage, Virgile Bruni, Sébastien Bruno, Xavier Chiocci, Florian Fresia, Pierrick Gunther , Carl Hayman, Gethin Jenkins, Nick Kennedy, Mickael Ivaldi, Chris Masoe, Kote Mikautadze, Simon Shaw, Joe van Niekerk.
Backs: Mathieu Bastareaud, Nicolas Durand, Matt Giteau, Benjamin Lapeyre, Vincent Martin, Geoffroy Messina, Frédéric Michalak , Alexis Palisson, Luke Rooney, David Smith.
Results last season: Toulouse won 18-12 at home; Toulon won 25-22 at home
Prediction: Toulon's winning streak could finally come to an end. Toulouse by six points in a low-scoring clash
Kick-off: 20:45 (18.45 GMT)
Referee: Mathieu Raynal
weakened Toulon team so Toulouse with superstars and a win by 15

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Biarritz Olympique v Aviron Bayonnais
Parc des Sports d'Aguilera, Biarritz
Sunday sees Bayonne bidding to take a further step to kick-start their disastrous season which has featured just one victory in six outings.
And it won't be an easy task, with an "away" trip across the river to near neighbours Biarritz,who have claimed the spoils in 10 of the 14 Basques derbies since the creation on the Top14.
Second last, Bayonne went down 34-6 to Toulouse last weekend, giving a performance coach Christian Lanta said was "not sufficient".
"We learned a rugby lesson and came across a team that mastered everything that rendered us powerless," said Lanta.
The game has been moved back to Biarritz after initially being scheduled for Stadio Anoeta in Saint-Sébastien, due to slow ticket sales. A sign of the difficult financial times or Bayonne's poor form?
Biarritz have lost two in row after their strong start to the season but they will take encouragement from the narrow defeat (13-12) to Racing in Paris last week.
Results last season: Biaritz won 21-19 at home; Bayonne won 24-19 at home
Prediction: Bayonne are a disorganised rabble these days. Biarritz by eight points
Kick-off: 17:05 (15.05 GMT)
The 2 teams are seperated by 5km and there is fierce rivalry here. The team sheet llisted below does not match with that on lnr.fr.
Biarritz by 5. I know they will win but there is an outside chance of a draw and I just need to come within 5 points of the winning points difference to get an extra 1/2 a point.

Team sheets thanks to a superbru captain. Even then many were missing...what the heck is wrong with Top 14 marketing?
Montpellier
Bérard ; Nagusa, Combezou, Hape, Audrin ; (o) Trinh-Duc, (m) Escande ; Gorgodze, Tulou, Ouedraogo ; Privat, Fakaté ; Jgenti, Ladhuie, Lobo.

Remplaants: Van Vuuren, Watremez, De Marco, Bias, Paillaugue, Carraro, Peyras, Bustos.
Castres
Teulet; Garcey, Cabannes, Sanchou, Andreu; (o) Bernard, (m) Kockott; Caballero, Tekori, Bornman; Capo Ortega, Samson, Wihongi, Bonello, Forestier.

Les remplaants: Mach, Lazar, Faasalele, Wannenburg, Kirkpatrick, Tals, Martial, Coetzee.
*****************************************************
Perpignan

Mont de Marsan
Lucu ; Price, Baleinadogo, Rabeni, Cabannes ; (o) Claverie, (m) Magnaval ; Brits, Taulanga, Bost ; Liebenberg, Lewaravu ; Grobler, Caudullo, Fiorini.

Remplaants: Bordes, Correia, De Chaves, Brethous, Pic, Dubié, Durquet, Giudicelli.
*****************************************************
Agen
Goosen; Vaka, Roux, Robinson, Coux; (o) Barnard, (m) Lorée; Giraud, Fonua, Monribot (cap); Skeate, Lozada; Falefa, Narjissi, Cabarry.

Les remplaants: Janaudy, Afatia, Lagrange, Fono, Bals, Pelesasa, Agulla, Garcia.
Bordeaux
Reihana ; Talebula, Le Bourhis, Rey, Connor ; (o) Lopez, (m) Saubusse ; Purll, Clarkin, Madaule ; Jaulhac, Treloar ; Toetu, Avei, Delboulbes.

Remplaants: Forbes, Navickas, Koyamaibole, Kitshoff, Seron, Brousse, Poirot.
*****************************************************
Toulouse
Huget ; Clerc, Fritz, Fickou, Matanavou ; (o) McAlister, (m) Doussain ; Dusautoir, Galan, Nyanga ; Maestri, Millo-Chluksi ; Johnston, Tolofua, Poux.

Remplaants: Lacombe, Steenkamp, Monts, Lamboley, Picamoles, Burgess, Jauzion, Poitrenaud.
Toulon
Rooney; Smith, Bastareaud, Messina, Lapeyre; (o) Michalak, (m) Durand; Kennedy, Bruni, Gunther; Shaw, Mikautadze; Chiocci, Bruno (cap), Jenkins.

Les remplaants: Ivaldi, Fresia, Masoe, Van Nierkerk, Giteau, S.Armitage, Palisson, Hayman.
*****************************************************
Biarritz
Balshaw ; Ngwenya, Gimenez, Traille, Brew ; (o) Barraque, (m) Lesgourges ; Dubarry, Lakafia, Guyot ; Taele, E. Lund ; Broster, Héguy, Blaauw.

Remplaants: Barcella, Genevois, Thion, M.Lund, Peyrelongue, Burotu, Haylett Petty, Gomez Kodela.
Bayonne

SUMMARY courtesy of superrugbytipping. thansk mate.....good precis.
This week’s interests centred on close TMO calls, a couple of game saving tackles and misery for the Welsh overseas contingent.

Clermont 28 - 25 Paris
Friday’s game was not what was scripted. Paris threw out a bunch of kids in the backline and the proceeded to run rings around the home side. Thirce the unpronounceable Vuidravuwalu got the ball and 3 trys resulted: 2 to him. Fofana and Sivivatu made to look foolish more than any.

Clermont responded with a brilliant try, keeping the ball alive despite desperate Paris infringements and rounded off by the excellent Domingo.

At 22-10 down at ½ time, the 3 year home streak looked doomed. But Paris infringed. Again and again and the boot did for them. Clermont carried on their trend of white line fever to waste other chances but the biggest criminal was Fofana. Twice there was a 2-3 man overlap, stroll to the line. Both times he showed why he is not a 12 by throwing the ball aimlessly either behind all his players or in to touch.

Byrne (Welsh) had a shocker, including knocking the ball on under no pressure twice to put his side in the poo.

The other interest was the TMO’s decision to deny Fofana a try on a fairly dubious call that he’d been lifted (with the ball) before he crossed the line. Chalk up wonder tackle to someone (I can’t remember who!!).

Grenoble 27 - 13 Racing Metro 92
Grenoble played all the rugby and were more than a match for Racing’s limited game plan.

Montpellier 19 - 12 Castres
Heavy rain at Yves du Manoir and you fear for Montpellier with Tin-Duck’s total absence of a tactical kicking game. Castres on the other hand have the boots of Kockottt, Bernard and Robocop (Teulet) to rely upon. It was going to be close.

Tin-Duck made up for his lack of boot options with some brilliant counter attacks showing why he is better suited to 12 than 10. A wonder tackle by Ouedraogo brought down Kockott when you thought the 9 must be over the whitewash. The game was settled when a Tin-Duck bomb was bombed by Castres in their end goal and Nagusa reacted first. 11 picks for Castres who could have been smiling with a bit more fortune or composure by their side.

Perpignan 15 - 6 Mont-de-Marsan
Very heavy rain at Aime. But that did not excuse the very heavy weather USAP made of this. Having hammered ST in their last home game, everyone expected a cricket score against hapless MDM. It didn’t happen. Tchale-Watchou pulled of the 2nd wonder save of the weekend to deny a 9 when Magnaval took the wrong option to go by himself but looked like he must score from 3m. He didn’t and despite being unable to put any points on against 13 men (2 yellows to MDM), the home side eked home on pens.

Agen 19 - 15 Bordeaux Begles
Bordeaux tried to play rugby as usual with Agen being the more conservative. This game was decided by the TMO and one of the freakiest trys of all time. First Lopez broke through and slid across the line whilst being tackled. Looked certain that it was a try but the TMO ruled he’d lost control and not recovered in time for a knock on.

Then, a rather poor up and under was launched by Agen outside their own 22 with players in pursuit. Robinson of Agen was their lead player. The ball bounced and went back behind him some 10m. As it was dropping, it looped over the head of Bordeaux prop Delboulbes who had worked his socks of getting back. The ball hit Delboulbes’ heel which launched it back in a perfect arc from whence it came. Straight in front of Robinson (who was now onside) who gleefully grabbed it and ran in to the posts.

Toulouse 32 - 9 Toulon
Probably a 2nd string Toulon even if on paper it looked very much galacticos. Another bad day for the Welsh. Toulon lost their foundation: their scrum as Jenkins was destroyed by Johnston for pen after pen. The Welshman’s day got worse with fumbles and a yellow for a high tackle.

Fluke ran through a huge gap which Michalak could not cover for the opening try. A raft of pens put Toulon out of the game and any chance of salvaging anything disappeared with the appearance of Giteau. Michalak, how had played well, kicked his chance and put some good interventions, went to SH. Inexplicably, Giteau took the next, easy pen and missed. He went on to make other key errors as he possibly tried too hard to make up for the howler.

Toulouse kept up that freak statistic of scoring 50% of their trys in the last 15 mins when Maestri crashed over with 3 mins left to make the score look a bit lop sided.

Special mention to young Fickou who looked utterly composed and put in the odd crunching tackle too and Galan (sadly injured) who did all his stuff.

Biarritz 15 - 16 Bayonne
The Basque derby. Plenty of nonsense before this game. The home side messing around at the last minute in moving the venue from San Sebastien in Spain (they will wish they’d stayed there now). Bayonne had suspended Heymans (and reinstated him) as well as Phillips: the 3rd in our Welsh sorrows. Drinking nights out, half hearted performances, insulting the fans and getting into a fracas with the club’s other SH have made Phillips less than popular.

So, with 4 losses on the bounce and in turmoil plus away to the early T14 leaders, this was a foregone conclusion, right?
 BO conceded a pen for pulling down a maul with zero on the clock (smart, eh?) and Boyet was never going to miss from 30m.