Close to qualification or on the verge of elimination, an update on French clubs

Couple David Reyrat

Published 52 minutes ago, Updated now

Different objectives for Toulouse’s Dupont and Lebel, Rochelais Atonio, Racingman Kolisi and Bordelais Penaud (from left to right). AFP / ED JONES / AFP / GAIZKA IROZ / AFP / GAIZKA IROZ / AFP / ROMAIN PERROCHEAU

Toulouse and UBB can validate their ticket for the round of 16 this weekend. Just like the LOU. For La Rochelle, Racing 92 or Toulon, victories are imperative or risk premature disillusionment.

A third day marked by a double confrontation: France-Ireland and France-England. With Lyon-Connacht, Toulon – Munster, Leinster – Stade Français and Ulster – Toulouse for the first; Northampton – Bayonne, Bath – Racing 92, La Rochelle – Leicester and Bordeaux-Bègles – Saracens for the second. And challenges under the sign of the last chance for half of the French clubs involved in the Champions Cup. Point.

Toulouse and UBB are almost there

Two matches, two improved victories. Stade Toulousain and Union Bordeaux-Bègles are already almost in the round of 16, the first four in each group having qualified. It now remains to secure the best possible place to receive and face a more affordable opponent. To do this, they will need to produce high-level performances.

The French champions travel to Belfast where it is never easy to beat the Irish province of Ulster, before welcoming the English from Bath who also succeeded on 10/10. For the UBB, the rest is very difficult: reception of the London Saracens, triple European champions (but currently in bad shape, with many injured, particularly on the front line) and travel to Pretoria to face the Bulls. As a reminder, since the incorporation of the South African provinces last season, no French club has managed to win in the country of world champions…

Lyon and Bayonne can believe it

Paradoxical situation for the LOU. In difficulty in Top 14 (13th), Baptiste Couilloud and his partners, with 7 points, are 2nd in pool 1 and in a position to qualify. A victory in Lyon this Saturday against the Irish from Connacht would open the doors to the round of 16. Fourth in group 3 (with only 3 points however), Aviron Bayonnais is battling with Glasgow (4 points), Munster (3) and Toulon (3) to snatch the last two tickets behind Northampton and Exeter who dominate the hen. Exploits required, however, for the Basques who travel to Premiership leader Northampton before hosting Exeter Chiefs. Unfavorable ballooning therefore…

La Rochelle, Racing 92 and Toulon no longer have a choice

No victory in two days for these three teams who had ambitions. The situation is simple. They need to win their last two matches. Double defending champion, Stade Rochelais has its back against the wall. This Sunday, the Maritimes must tame the Leicester Tigers at Marcel-Deflandre or risk prematurely saying goodbye to their crown. If successful, they will still have to get a result in England, on the pitch of the Sale Sharks.

Racing 92, which had made this Champions Cup its priority objective this season, will also have to raise its level to maintain the hope of qualification by winning against the English in Bath on Sunday. A decisive meeting before receiving Cardiff. Against the modest Welsh, an improved victory would be welcome.

The RCT program, which no longer has room for error either, seems a little more affordable. Reception in Mayol from an Irish province of Munster far from its previous level, then travel to Glasgow. It is not done but it seems within the ropes of the Varois. “With this new format, you can still qualify by losing your first two matches whereas it was almost impossible with the old one.», rightly recalled the manager of Toulon, Pierre Mignoni.

Stade Français needs a miracle

Last in the group with a small point in two matches, Stade Français is very close to elimination. To avoid it this weekend, the Parisians must achieve a major feat by winning in Dublin against the formidable Leinster. With executives left to rest (center Jeremy Ward in the lead) and Hopes launched for a mixed team composition, the ambition seems out of reach. A heavy setback in Ireland and the reception of the South African franchise of the Stormers will be without challenge… unless the SFP wishes to grab 5th place and thus be transferred to the final phase of the Challenge Cup. Not sure that this is not a priority for Parisians.

The program for the 3rd day of the Champions Cup

Friday January 12
(21h00) Northampton – Bayonne

Saturday January 13
(14h00) Lyon – Connacht
(16h15) Toulon – Munster
(6:30 p.m.) Leinster – Stade Français
(21h00) Ulster – Toulouse

Sunday January 14
(14h00) Bath – Racing 92
(4:15 p.m.) La Rochelle – Leicester
(6:30 p.m.) Bordeaux-Bègles – Saracens