The Top 14 clubs, deprived of their internationals who left to prepare for the autumn selection tests, compete this weekend for the 9th day of the Top 14. Saturday is the start of a new era for Toulon, just decked out with a new trainer in the person of Franck Azéma. The former Clermont coach succeeded Patrice Collazo and must quickly raise the bar for the Toulon club, which points to the penultimate place in the standings. The RCT faces the promoted Biarritz Saturday (3 p.m.).
Also on Saturday, the top 14 dolphin Bordeaux-Begles receives Clermont. On the lookout for a misstep from the Toulouse leaders, the Girondins will seek to extend their current series of five consecutive successes. But Clermont is in great shape now, victorious in its last two games.
Better form also for La Rochelle, which after an ignition delay restarted. The Maritimes move to Perpignan, red lantern. It is also better for the French stadium who will try to confirm to Pau, 11th in the championship.
The shock Racing 92 – Toulouse
Montpellier will seek for its part to ensure better consistency. After his big blow last weekend by going to win on the field of Racing, the Héraultais are measured against Lyon. Lou also alternates between good and less good but has shown that he was always present, in particular by becoming the first team to bring down Toulouse this season.
To conclude this 9th day in style: the shock between the Racing 92 and the Toulouse stadium. The solid leader and defending champion will not have it easy with a staff depopulated due to the upcoming international matches. 11 Red and Black players left to join their selections. Racing has meanwhile recovered key players, back from injury. A welcome reinforcement when it comes to facing the first in the standings, after the first home defeat last Saturday against Montpellier.