Finally launched with his victory at home in front of Montpellier (38-13), the champion of France will continue in this good way. But beware! The trip to Oyonnax (11th, 4 pts) is never easy. Stade Toulousain (9th, 5 pts) has not won there since 2016. And the combined absences of Romain Ntamack (cruciate ligament) or internationals Antoine Dupont, Richie Arnold, Cyril Baille, Ange Capuozzo, Pita Ahki , Thomas Ramos, Jack Willis, Anthony Jelonch, Julien Marchand, Santiago Chocobares or Juan Cruz Mallia… do not facilitate the task of the Rouge et Noir.
The only team with two victories intends to keep its first place in the standings: the French Stadium (1st, 8 pts) awaits Montpellier (10th, 4 pts) firmly. Finishing the first block of the Top 14 in the lead is a big challenge for the Parisian club, whose coaches (Laurent Labit and Karim Ghezal) are on the staff of the XV of France and occupied by the World Cup. But the Soldats Roses are not surprising and the arrival of the MHR, dominated in Toulouse (38-13), will allow them to confirm.
After its initial misstep, La Rochelle (13th, 4 pts), reigning European champion, raised its head in front of Lyon (35-14). Despite the absence of many internationals, from the Australian Will Skelton to the Argentinian Joel Sclavi, via the French Paul Boudehent, Jonathan Danty or Grégory Alldritt, the Maritimes intend to win a second victory in a row with this perilous trip to Clermont ( 7th, 5 pts). The Auvergnats are still looking for themselves but remain on a victory, improved, at home against Perpignan (38-14). Be careful not to cross the yellow line.
After its first successful at home at the expense of Castres (25-23), Bordeaux-Bègles (5th, 5 pts) will seek to take a second victory with the arrival of Toulon (12th, 4 pts). In addition to their internationals (Ollivon, Gros, Villière…), the RCT will be severely handicapped for this trip with the absences of Swan Rebbadj (cruciate ligaments), and Marius Domon (ankle), Anthony Etrillard (Achilles tendon) or even Teddy Baubigny (hand).
In the other matches of the day, the Catalan red lantern (14th, 0 pts) will want to take its first points on the ground of Racing 92 (2nd, 5 pts), while Castres (4th, 5 pts) will want to spend the fall warm by winning in Bayonne (6th, 5 pts), like Pau (3rd, 5 pts) against Lyon (8th, 5 pts).