Five victories in a row before a setback by the sea. On March 9, Stade Français suffered a clear defeat (23-3) on La Rochelle soil. A slight disappointment for the leader against the 3rd in the Top 14, which could have allowed Stade Toulousain, current runner-up, to become leader: defeated in Perpignan (27-17), the Hauts-Garonnais did not take advantage of it.
Ranked 11th in Top 14, LOU for its part had a season below expectations. The Rhone residents, however, remain on four victories in six matches. They hosted and beat La Rochelle on February 17 (28-17).
For Stade Français, the reception of the Lyonnais at Jean-Bouin should not be taken lightly. Especially since, for the first time in a long time, the LOU staff was able to make choices and leave players to rest. The Taofifenua brothers, Beka Saginadze, Arno Botha, Semi Radradra and Ethan Dumortier are all six back.
With this meeting, there are seven games left for LOU (38 points) to catch up with the Top 6 (44 points), synonymous with qualification for the play-offs for the final stages. Fabien Gengenbacher’s men will go determined to Paris.
The Stade Français-Lyon kick-off will be given on Saturday March 23 at 5 p.m. and will be followed in the Canal + multiplex and in full on Rugby +.
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