Top 14 Preview: Round Six
All square again? Toulon host Castres
Toulon will hope to extend their
five-game unbeaten run at home to Castres on Saturday while Biarritz and
Perpignan travel to the capital.
The weekend kicks off with a crunch game in Bayonne where the
struggling hosts are aiming to get their season back on track against a
Toulouse side smarting from a heavy loss last week.
Stade Français, who are flirting with the drop zone, host resurgent Perpignan while Bordeaux-Begles entertain Montpellier and winless Mont-de-Marsan welcome Agen.
Second-placed Clermont will expected victory at home to Grenoble while third-placed Biarritz travel to Paris to face Racing-Metro in the late game.
Fixtures:
Friday, September 21
Bayonne v Toulouse -
Saturday, September 22
Toulon v Castre
Bordeaux-Bègles v Montpellier
Clermont v Grenoble
Mont-de-Marsan v Agen
Stade Français v Perpignan
Racing Métro v Biarritz
Standings:
1 Toulon 22
2 Clermont 18
3 Biarritz 17
4 Castres 15
5 Toulouse 15
6 Grenoble 14
7 Racing-Metro 14
8 Perpignan 11
9 Montpellier 10
10 Bordeaux 9
11 Bayonne 7
12 Stade Francais 6
13 Agen 6
14 Mont-de-Marsan 0
Preview: Bayonne v Toulouse
The Top 14
weekend kicks off with a crunch game at Stade Jean Dauger in Bayonne
where the struggling hosts are aiming to get their season back on track
against a Toulouse side smarting from a heavy loss last week.
Despite putting in some solid defensive efforts, Bayonne have found it tough to discover their rhythm in early season.
After four defeats, including two at home (13-6 against Clermont and 25-18 against Racing-Metro), Bayonne sit in 11th spot having notched up a sole victory (24-11 over Stade Français in mid-August ) in their opening five matches.
Bayonne coach Christian Lanta in no doubt that his side had to turn themselves around, and quickly.
"The best thing is to get back playing very quickly, to avoid dwelling too long on issues," said Lanta.
"That's not to say you mustn't examine what happened, have a debrief and target what didn't work on Saturday against Racing."
Lanta admitted that the team had suffered too many defeats in recent seasons, but the fact they avoided relegation showed they were true competitors.
"Even if the squad is in difficulty, it is sound. They want to win, to have this match which can take them forward.
"Magic potions do not exist, it's a long process that is carrying on. We knew that this start to the season would be complicated, that we needed to win some matches.
Meanwhile, Toulouse are looking to bounce back from getting hiding from Perpignan last week. Manager Guy Novès insists there is no need to panic and has called on his side to wake up.
Good news for the visitors is that hooker Christopher Tolofua is fit to play, meaning there is no need to forwards coach William Servat to lace up his boots.
Bayonne: 15 Scott Spedding, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Manu Ahotaeiloa, 12 Lionel Mazars, 11 Cedric Heymans , 10 Benjamin Boyet, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Julien Puricelli, 7 Dwayne Haare, 6 Mark Chisholm , 5 Abdellatif Boutaty, 4 Dewald Senekal, 3 Nemiah Tialata, 2 David Roumieu, 1 Aretz Iguiniz
Replacements: 16 Gregory Arganese, 17 Vitolio Manukula, 18 Marc Baget, 19 Guillaume Bernad, 20 Cedric Garcia, 21 Marvin O'Connor, 22 Sam Gerber, 23 Renaud Boyoud.
Toulouse: 15 Yoann Huget, 14 Vincent Clerc, 13 Florian Fritz, 12 Gael Fickou, 11 Timoci Matanavou, 10 Luke Mcalister, 9 Jean Marc Doussain, 8 Gillian Galan, 7 Thierry Dusautoir, 6 Yannick Nyanga, 5 Yoann Maestri, 4 Romain Millo chlusky, 3 Census Johnston, 2 Christopher Tolofua, 1 Jean batiste Poux.
Replacements: 16 Virgile Lacombe, 17 Gurthro Steenkamp , 18 Gregory Lamboley, 19 Jean Bouilhou , 20 Luke Burgess , 21 Lionel Beauxis, 22 Jean bernard Pujol, 23 Yohan Montes.
Results last season: Bayonne won 18-13 at home; Toulouse won 30-15 at home
Prediction: Bayonne's form at home does not inspire confidence. Toulouse by a whisker
Kick-off: 20.50 (18.50 GMT)
Referee: Christophe Berdos
I've backed Toulouse in every game. Considering the talent in this expensive team, they haven't set the world on fire.
They should win easily. But I have to agree with article writer. Toulouse by 8
Bayonne 6 - 35 Toulouse
Toulouse annihilated Bayonne. The home side was ultra-negative throughout and their only contribution was blatant cheap shots off the ball including one in the back of the head to a blindsided Dusautoir. Lets see if the citers get involved because the officials couldn′t be bothered. Notable peformances from young Galan at 8 who was then subbed (!!!), Nyanga who was on fire and Doussain who sped the ball up this game.
Previews:
RC Toulon v Castres Olympique
Stade Felix Mayol, Toulon
Riding a wave of confidence thanks to a perfect record so far in a remarkable start to the season, Toulon will want to maintain their momentum in just their second home game this term.
With a rematch of last season's final against Toulouse on the menu for next week, RCT will be given a stern test by a Castres side that earned a rare draw at Stade Mayol last year.
Indeed both of last season's clashes between these sides ended on level terms. CO will also take heart from the fact that they have lost just twice in their last seven visits to Toulon. Ending Biarritz's unbeaten run last week provided confirmation that Castres are in solid form.
Toulon number eight Chris Masoe is set face his former side. The home team are also likely to send out a starting half-back pairing of Frederic Michalak and Jonny Wilkinson for the first time. Wilkinson and fellow Englishman Delon Armitage return to the squad after sitting out last week's win in Montpellier.
For the visitors, lock Rodrigo Capo-Ortega returns but Mathias Roland, Ibrahim Diarra, Daniel Kirkpatrick and Max Evans are amongst the absentees due to injury. Romain Teulet is being rested.
Results last season: 25-25 draw in Toulon; 22-22 draw in Castres
Prediction: RCT are in great form. Toulon by nine points
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Patrick Péchambert
Pete agrees. Toulon playing some good rugby, but Castres always strong in the forwards. game will be settled on penalties. Toulon by 5, which gives me the double chance of getting half a point in superbru if they end in a draw again.
Toulon 33 - 12 Castres
Comedy moment was ref Pechambert lecturing a hapless Bakkies in Fre who could just about muster je ne comprends pas. Yes Bakkies but was that the ref or the laws?
Toulon are becoming decidedly clinical as the scorecard suggests a much more one sided game than was the case. Castres started by handing Giteau 7 on a telegraphed intercept. Good try from hooker Orioli and a late on score when Mermoz switched inside to a showponying Smith (he dropped one of these 2 seasons back but doesn′t appear to have learned) to widen the gap. In between, Castres tried some entertaining stuff but far too many errors and poor decisions in the Toulon 22. The dim Armitage had a shocker and resorted to his favourite tactic of cheap shots whenever he could.
Union Bordeaux-Bègles v Montpellier HR
Stade André Moga, Bègles
Bordeaux-Bègles will be in confident mood after a convincing win over Stade Français last week and will fancy their chances against a Montpellier side that have yet to win on the road this year.
Despite going down at home to Toulon last week, Montpellier will take positives out of the second half, when they outplayed and outscored the league leaders.
With a little more patience and better finishing, Fabien Galthié's team are capable of beating most teams.
UBB welcome back Lachie Munro while Montpellier are bolstered by the return of Pumas prop Maximiliano Bustos.
Results last season: Montpellier won 30-26 in Bordeaux; Bordeaux won 20-16 in Montpellier
Prediction: UBB coach Raphaël Ibanez has called on the home crowd to make themselves heard. It might just work. Bordeaux-Begles by three or four points
Kick-off: 18.30 (16.30 GMT)
Referee: Jérôme Garcès
I want to see team sheet before making decision, because Montpellier played well last week.
I ended up picking home team by 1....not confident. And I lost
Bordeaux Begles 15 - 23 Montpellier
Little to argue in the score. Escande sped things up and Tin-Duck made in roads. The away side were good for their 3-0 on the try count although their usual indiscipline threatened to bring Begles back into the game for a long time.
ASM Clermont Auvergne v FC Grenoble
Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin, Clermont Ferrand
Clermont climbed up to second place in the standings last week, but left it very late to get the better of Mont-de-Marsan.
Les Jaunards are still far from their best but at home, where they have not lost in three years, they're a safe bet for four points.
Grenoble have been the surprise of the season so far but a loss in Agen last week highlighted their limitations.
Wales full-back Lee Byrne and Georgia prop Davit Zirakashvili are both injury absentees for Clermont. Byrne sustained a twisted ankle and Zirakashvili injured his ribs last weekend.
Clermont are, however, boosted by the return from injury of hooker Benjamin Kayser, ex-All Black winger Sitiveni Sivivatu, Scotland lock Nathan Hines and full-back Anthony Floch.
Previous results: Clermont won 31-17 in 2005
Prediction: Clermont at home? Clermont by at least fifteen points
Kick-off: 18.30 (16.30 GMT)
Referee: Salem Attalah
Pete agrees. Potential try fest. Although I said the same last week when Clermont played newly promoted Mont des marsons, and only just won.
They are at home and should win by 21
They won by 24...not too shabby
Clermont Auvergne 44 - 20 Grenoble
For me, the most interesting thing was Parra actually trying to get the ball away quickly. One wonders 4 years into his top flight career whether the penny has dropped? He was illegally pulled into a ruck 5m out on 34 mins (took that long) but did incredibly well to scoot it out to Rougerie to score depsite being on his neck.
Stade Montois v SU Agen
Stade Guy Boniface, Mont-de-Marsan
It's crunch time as the bottom two clubs face off.
Not much has gone right for Mont-de-Marsan, who came with ten minutes of claiming their first points last week only to wilt under the pressure from Clermont at the death and be left empty handed.
But after a series of games against heavyweight opponents, les Montois finally have a realistic chance to bag a victory.
Agen, who got their first win last week against Grenoble, will know this a chance to climb out of the relegation zone. Philippe Sella's team will be out to build on last week's performance in game that could be pivotal for the rest of their season.
Previous results: Mont-de-Marsan won 18-12 at home in 2010 (ProD2)
Prediction: Mont-de-Marsan have played much better rugby than their situation on table suggests. Mont-de-Marsan by six points
Kick-off: 18.30 (16.30 GMT)
Referee: Mathieu Raynal
Must see Agen team sheet first. they are notorious for playing reserves when away from home
I ended up going for Agen by 3...not confident.
game over and...
Mont-de-Marsan 16 - 28 Agen
Cannot see how MDM can avoid last place this season. They are woefully out of their depth and were hammered by an Agen side who shipped 60 against ST 2 weeks ago.
Stade Français v USA Perpignan
Stade Charléty, Paris
Perpignan started the season in uneasy fashion but will head to capital feeling reassured after completely dominating Toulouse in their gala clash in Barcelona last week.
The Catalans still have some serious issues at scrum time due to a spate of injuries but played some exciting rugby in Spain.
Stade Français, by contrast, are on the verge of crisis. With just one win so far this season, another defeat could drop the Parisians into the relegation zone, a far cry from the ambitions presented by new boss Richard Pool-Jones at the start of the season.
The hosts will also be worried by USAP's record in the capital, where they have lost just once in five years.
Stade Français have been struck by injuries with scrum-half Julien Dupuy ruled out for three weeks while lock Gerhard Mostert is set to an eight-week layoff after shoulder surgery.
Results last season: Stade Français won both games: 35-31 at home and 35-16 in Perignan
Prediction: Things are not going well for Stade Français. Perpignan by five points
Kick-off: 18.30 (16.30 GMT)
Referee: Romain Poite
Must see team sheet.
Must remember 75% of all Top 14 games end in home side win. Stade were shocking away from home last week against newly promoted Grenoble. Yet they are favourite to beat Perps who dominated the superstars of toulouse last week.
it doesn't make sense.
I'll wait to see team sheet. But I bet I'll finally pick Perps by 10
Paris 34 - 24 Perpignan
It looked good early on for the away side. Especially when another of Paris′s pedestrian, journeyman foreigners (Williams) was yellowed on 8. Then Hook executed a piece of genius. A pen to USAP in their own 22; Paris asleep and Hook cross kicked a pass (how many of these have we seen this year?!) to Haughton who made Sack-of-sh*te (surely one of the most gutless defenders ever) and a joke tackle attempt by Turinu look like the clowns they are. But USAP′s discipline let them down. A raft of pens handed the game to Paris and a strange decision to sub Hook who was having one of his better games killed any momentum USAP had. Still time for a good punch up between Pape and Charteris and the pair of them to enjoy yellow.
Racing-Métro 92 v Biarritz Olympique
Stade Yves Du Manoir - Colombes (Paris)
Racing-Métro confirmed their strong early-season form with their second win on the road, in Bayonne, last week. Les Franciliens, now seventh, are growing into a very attractive style under their new coaching staff and have not been justly rewarded for their efforts.
Gonzalo Quesada's team will face a stern test of their game plan this weekend though against a Biarritz side in a rich vein of form. BO conceded their first defeat last week but will be desperate to regain forward momentum eights days ahead of the all-important Basque derby.
Biarritz have not enjoyed their recent trips to Colombes though, having lost on all three visits there since Racing's return to the top division.
The home side are struggling with a few injuries however (Wisniewski , Dambielle, Tuugahala, Vulivuli, Leo'o and Descons ) and will be eagerly awaiting the arrival of new signing Olly Barkley in a fortnight.
Biarritz will be without veteran lock Jérôme Thion, who has an Achilles tendon injury. Raphaël Lakafia leads the side while internationals Wenceslas Lauret, Iain Balshaw and Damien Traille ride the bench.
Biarritz: Haylett-Petty, Baby, Gimenez, Burotu, Brew, Peyrelongue, Lesgourgues, Lakafia (cap), Guyot, M.Lund, Taele, E.Lund, Broster, Heguy, Blaauw
Replacements: Genevois, Barcella, Dubarry, Lauret, Traille, Ngwenya, Balshaw, Gomez Kodela
Results last season: Racing 28-9 at home; Biarritz won 22-13 at home
Prediction: Racing have looked good so far. Racing by seven points
Kick-off: 20.40 (18.40 GMT)
Referee: Laurent Cardona
Once again we're waiting to find/see team sheet for racing. Biarritz have shown their tactics. resting many of their best on reserves bench. If they play reserves early enough they will win. But hard to predict yet.
I guessed Racing by 1 and I was bang on the money
Racing Metro 92 13 - 12 Biarritz
Awful game. No scoring after the 43rd minute. The game was won (lost) in the 10th minute when Baby (playing in the unfamiliar role of wing) tried an impossible chip kick 30 out when last man on BO′s right. It went straight to Saubade who went in under the posts.
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