Paris (AFP)

Without mercy.

Clermont took place against Bayonne (73-3) while Agen suffered his sixteenth defeat in a row, signing the worst start to the season in the history of the Top 14, Saturday, during the 17th day, while waiting for the clash between the Toulouse and Lyon leader.

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La Rochelle will be satisfied with it

The essential is assured: without shining, La Rochelle confirmed its good form of the moment by dominating the French Stadium (16-11).

Last undefeated team at home, the Maritimes clinched a ninth success at the Marcel-Deflandre stadium which allows them to hang on to the podium.

The Rochelais were certainly lucky to come across a Nicolas Sanchez lacking success at the foot (three failures) but whatever, La Rochelle carried out a good operation.

The Parisians, they leave with a defensive bonus point which can be invaluable in the fight for qualifications.

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Agen, sad record

And sixteen.

Agen suffered a sixteenth defeat in a row, Saturday at home against Montpellier (39-19), the worst start to the season in the history of the Top 14.

The previous record belonged to the Perpignan team for the 2018-2019 season.

Worse, today's SUA has not won for nearly a year: its last success was on February 22, 2020 and a trip to Brive (30-16).

With two small points in the standings, 207 points scored and 609 conceded, the Agenais are obviously dead last in the Top 14. The record for the fewest points in a season is held by Bourgoin-Jallieu (6 in 2010-2011).

The MHR, he scored five tries, won the offensive bonus point and offered a little air in the race for maintenance.

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Clermont humiliating

Ten tries for a crushing 73-3 victory.

Clermont sank Bayonne, which has won only one of its five matches played in 2021.

Unable to react to the fury of the Jaunards, the Basques took the tide, cashing a scathing 49-0 in the second half.

The Clermontois were able to rely on Camille Lopez, author of a clear foot for the tenth time this season (11 of 11).

ASM is 4th in the standings, well behind the leading pack formed by Racing 92, La Rochelle and Toulouse.

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Racing 92 in pain, Brive resists, Pau cracks

Racing 92 chained a fourth success in a row, his third consecutive at home, beating Castres (23-20) with forceps.

As often, the Ile-de-France residents alternated between the good and the less good, but Laurent Travers' men, carried by Teddy Iribaren (16 points) and a conquering touch, proved that they had resources.

Brive stood up to UBB (25-23), the first defeat of 2021 for the men of Christophe Urios.

The beautiful series of six games without defeat for Bordeaux-Bègles comes to an end.

Finally, the RCT, despite the absences, the difficulties in touch and the uncertainty related to Covid-19, took the upper hand over Pau (33-29) in Béarn.

The Section, still chasing its second success of 2021, is closing in on the red zone.

© 2021 AFP