Paris (AFP)

Upset in Top 14: Bordeaux takes the lead from their opponent Lyon after the first shock of the 15th day (37-19), the Stade Français leaves last place by dismissing La Rochelle (21-20) and Clermont remains in the six in overthrowing Pau (23-20).

With the offensive bonus, the Union Bordeaux-Bègles (1st, 52 points) offered itself the head of the LOU (2nd, 49 pts) and the championship, continuing its excellent season after three weeks of break due to Six Nations Tournament.

Behind the two potentials qualified in the semi-finals, Toulon, beaten by Lyon at the end of January, resumed its march forward by easily dismissing (37-19) Corréziens who stagnate in the soft belly of the classification (9th, 29 pts).

By defeating La Rochelle, the Stade Français made a significant leap in the classification by passing to 11th place (24 pts) and leaving the last to Agen (22 pts), which hosts Castres (13th, 23 pts) Sunday for the fear match.

The Stade Rochelais (4th, 38 pts) thought they had obtained a fourth victory in a row but were overtaken at the last minute by the Parisians and will be satisfied with the defensive bonus.

In Pau, Clermont (6th, 36 pts) got scared but finally conquered a precious victory to stay provisionally in the first six, qualifying for the final phase. The Paloise Section plummets to 11th place (24 pts), conceding a sixth consecutive defeat.

Led 20-13 at Hameau stadium, ASM waited until the last five minutes to win, thanks to a try by Alivereti Raka (76th), transformed by Morgan Parra, who had just scored a penalty (74th).

A victory that allows us to stay ahead of pressing Montpellier, tied with 36 pts in 7th place. The MHR fought to overcome Bayonne (31-29) and stay in contact with the first.

One of the reasons for this difficult victory for Xavier Garbajosa's men? The absence of five of their own (Mohamed Haouas, Paul Willemse, Arthur Vincent, Gabriel Nganbede and Anthony Bouthier) retained with the XV of France to prepare for the 3rd match of the Tournament against Wales next Saturday.

The 15th day will end on Sunday with the Racing 92 - Toulouse shock, again with the absence of many internationals.

© 2020 AFP