Paris and Toulon aim for second place
Behind Stade Toulousain, assured of finishing in the lead, Stade Français and Toulon, currently 2nd (71 points) and 3rd (68 points), are also aiming for direct qualification for the semi-finals in Bordeaux (June 21 and 22). The winner of this Saturday evening’s confrontation at Jean-Bouin will win the precious ticket. Paris, beaten in the first leg by the RCT (19-5), could nevertheless finish in second place with an improbable defeat doubly enhanced.
UBB well placed for a home play-off
In the absence of a second place, Stade Français or the RCT would console themselves with a play-off at home next week. Madosh Tambwe’s Union Bordeaux-Bègles, 4th with 64 points and already qualified, has a very good chance of being the other lucky winner even if La Rochelle and Racing 92 still have a very slim hope of winning. A home victory against Oyonnax, already relegated, will be enough for Yannick Bru’s men.
Two more qualifying places
The last two qualifying places will be played out between La Rochelle (5th, 62 points), Racing 92 (6th, 61 points), Perpignan (7th, 58 points) and Castres (8th, also 58 points). The Maritimes will automatically qualify in the event of victory against the Paris region in danger at Marcel-Deflandre. A draw would be enough for their happiness as well as that of the Racingmen. If the latter were to lose even with a bonus, they would on the other hand fall by the wayside in the event of enhanced successes of the USAP or Castres (respectively in Pau and Bayonne).
There remains the case of a tie at 62 points with two possible scenarios. If La Rochelle, Perpignan and Castres are concerned, it is the USAP which would benefit. In the event of parity between Racing, Perpignan and Castres, the advantage would go to Racing 92. The most improbable scenario would come from Clermont (10th) qualifying. If it can mathematically still dream, the Auvergne club needs a miraculous combination of circumstances with a tie at 61 points between three or four teams.
The race for the Champions Cup
The Section Paloise (9th) and the ASM (10th) are for the moment, with 56 points, outside the top 8, synonymous with qualification for the next Champions Cup, but everything is still possible. The Béarnais of Thibault Daubagna will have their destiny in hand against USAP, a direct competitor. For the Clermontois, it will be necessary to upgrade the MHR, focused on the accession barrier, and count on favorable results.
