This meeting, which will see the return of refreshments and bodegas in the stadiums, will close a day of the championship wedged between two matches of the Six Nations Tournament and will constitute the high point of a weekend which, moreover, promises to other beautiful posters.

The UBB, which is still a game behind and fell last Saturday against the red lantern Toulon (21-18), cannot afford such a disappointment against the Racingmen, who for their part chained last weekend against Pau (35-29) their fourth victory in a row and who are in 5th place in the standings.

This shock is attractive in more ways than one: the Girondin club is still undefeated at home in the league and the Parisians are capable of anything away after their success in Toulouse at the end of January (20-15).

The joy of the players of Racing 92, after their victory, 20-15 against Stade Toulousain, during the 16th day of the Top 14, on January 29, 2022 at the Stadium Valentine CHAPUIS AFP / Archives

"This match will be very difficult: Racing will be vengeful because we beat them at home (37-14 in the first leg, editor's note). However, they are a tough team to beat away when they decided to win the match," warned Girondin manager Christophe Urios.

Fans should also enjoy Saturday evening with the duel between Stade Rochelais (7th) and Clermont (9th), resembling a "battle of leaders" and pitting two charismatic coaches, Jono Gibbes and Ronan O'Gara, who until last year officiated together on the bench of the Maritimes.

Defending champion Toulouse (6th), on a downward spiral after conceding a fifth defeat in a row last weekend against Stade Français (29-28), will have to reassure himself without fail in Pau (10th).

Stade Toulousain coach Ugo Mola, surrounded by his players before the match of the 13th day of the Top 14 at home against Stade Français, February 11, 2022 at the Stadium Valentine CHAPUIS AFP / Archives

For Brive, winner last Saturday of the Auvergne derby (27-20), it will be necessary to take out the big game against Montpellier, second, who has not played since February 5 and who remains on eight consecutive victories.

Finally, Toulon (13th), under the spotlight this week with the announcement of an enticing Azéma / Mignoni duo at its head next season, will receive Perpignan (12th), the second stage of its reconquest operation.

Program of the 18th day:

(Saturday)

(3:00 p.m.) Pau-Toulouse

(5:00 p.m.) Brive - Montpellier

Castres - Lyon

Toulouse - Perpignan

French Stadium - Biarritz

(9:05 p.m.) La Rochelle - Clermont

(Sunday)

(9:05 p.m.) Bordeaux-Bègles - Racing 92

© 2022 AFP