Top 14. French Stadium. Now or never to hit Toulouse?
This weekend, we will still be entitled to our dose of Top 14, with four games behind : Racing-Pau, Brive-Clermont, Toulon-Bordeaux but especially the classico, Stade Toulousain-Stade Français. A meeting which, even if it promises much less flamboyant than other years (on paper at least), will certainly offer a lot more suspense. Because it’s no longer a secret for anyone, the reigning double French champion is going through a period of crisis, now 5th, 7 points behind second-placed Montpellier. youbad luck for Antoine Burban’s teammateswho will have the opportunity to sign a residual victory on the lawn of the Stadium.
If formerly the hegemony of Paris and Toulouse was total over the French championship, that era seems to be over. Of course, Stade Toulousain remains at the top of the bill, unlike the Stade Français, which has seen the last few years in sawtooth. A trend that is felt in direct confrontations: indeed, and in the last 20 games, the Soldats Roses have only won four times. A very moribund record, especially since we no longer count the river victories of Stade Toulousain over its great rival. But with the absence of internationalsan infirmary far from empty and a game plan that breaks down, the European champion advances with much less certainty than usual. The perfect opportunity for Parisians to strike a blow, those who have not beaten Toulouse at home for almost 16 years (September 16, 2006, 12-16).
Lately, the Stade Français has often moved to Toulouse without real ambitions, knowing full well that it would be very hard to get a result there. But today, everything is different: the Stadium is, in the current state of things, not afraidwhile the Parisians will move to the Stadium without any pressure, boosted by their good performance against LOU. Conversely, victory for Ugo Mola’s men is essential, not to say obligatory. Having not won in the league for almost three months (against Brive, 18-11), the latter could see direct qualification for the semi-finals move away in the event of a home defeat. You will understand, this Friday, Stade Toulousain will have everything to losewhile Paris will have everything to gain.
TOP 14. Nobody talks about it but Stade Toulousain will be back at the Stade during the holidays!