Four matches on the program this Saturday during the multiplex of the sixth day of the Top 14. Clermont won in Montpellier (20-17), Pau retains its leadership position after its victory at home against UBB (20-11 ), Castres slapped Oyonnax at home (39-11) and Stade Français achieved a big coup by winning in Lyon for the first time in its history (36-32).
Top 14: the ranking
The Clermontois played to scare themselves against the 2022 French champion. While they led 17-3 at half-time, thanks to tries from Delguy (26′) and Moala (36′), Christophe’s men Urios saw their opponents come back in the second half. The failures at the foot of Urdapilleta in the second act did not help, as did the two tries from the locals (Simmonds 58′, Garbisi 64′). The Auvergnats finally won with a score of 20-17, to sign their first away success of the season.
At home, the Palois did the job to maintain their astonishing leadership position in the Top 14. Faced with the Bordelais who were counting on the return of their French internationals to win away, the locals finally made the race in head almost the entire meeting. And this, despite the first in the UBB jersey of the second best try scorer in the history of the French XV, Damian Penaud. Delhommel (25′) and Gigena (55′) scored the two Pau tries, for a final victory 20-11.
Solid second in the Top 14, the Castres did not do well on Saturday afternoon against Oyonnax. At home, Castres Olympique won with the offensive bonus point thanks to their five tries scored. That of Cogagi in the 25th, on a masterful serve from Popelin, is worth the detour. The Oyomen therefore lost sharply 39-11, and proved once again that they cannot do it away.
What a match we had at Gerland! In a tight match from start to finish, where Jackson’s foot kept the locals in the game for a long time, the Parisians finally won on Lyon soil for the first time in their history. At a thrilling end to the match, Zack Henry’s clearance sounded like a real deliverance for Stade Français. Victory for the Ile-de-France residents 36-32.