In the evening, a poster awaits spectators at the Nanterre Arena with the reception of La Rochelle (3rd), undefeated since the start of the year, by Racing 92, which has not won since the beginning of December in Top 14.

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Perpignan pays for the French Stadium

Last in the championship, Perpignan created a surprise by dominating (31-24) at Aimé-Giral the French Stadium, despite a good second half for the Parisians, including scrum-half Morgan Parra, whose talent is still intact and entered class. of play, was decisive on the last two tries of the Soldats Roses.

USAP, which took advantage of Parisian indiscipline (two yellow cards), remains last in the standings but is only three points behind Brive, its next opponent in the league.

As for the men of Gonzalo Quesada, second three points behind the Toulouse leader, they can harbor regrets, but no doubt they already had their heads in the shock that awaits them next weekend against Bordeaux-Bègles.

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Clermont disillusioned in Lyon

For the first match of Christophe Urios at the head of Clermont, the Jaunards were disillusioned on the lawn of Lyon (34-14), conceding a sixth defeat in seven matches in all competitions.

The Auvergnats, who lost their captain Arthur Iturria then their hooker Etienne Fourcade too soon to concussions, suffered, against Lyonnais (6th, 40 pts) who had four tries and who, thanks to this improved success, can prepare with serenity their trip to La Rochelle next weekend.

The proteges of Christophe Urios, now eleventh (31 pts), will absolutely have to do better when receiving Castres, the former club of their new manager, on behalf of the 17th day.

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Castres still undefeated at Pierre-Fabre

Finalist last year but in poor shape this season, Castres finally returned to victory by winning the scalp of Bordeaux-Bègles (23-18) in his lair of Pierre-Fabre, where he has not lost since. more than two years.

Pierre-Henry Broncan, head coach of Castres Olympique on January 28, 2023 before the reception of UBB.

The Castres, who won 23-18, have been undefeated for more than two years in their Pierre-Fabre stadium © Valentine CHAPUIS / AFP/Archives

The Tarnais, who had not won in the league since a match against Pau (26-22) on December 4, absolutely had to react so as not to sink into crisis.

It's done, and what's more against UBB (5th, 40 pts), one of the teams in form at the moment.

It remains to be confirmed next Saturday in Auvergne.

In the other matches of the day, Bayonne, surprising 4th, rolled over Brive (37-9), stopping the good series of three victories in a row for the Corréziens: the Basques, by winning their eighth victory at Jean-Dauger in Top 14, have thus prepared their trip to Toulouse as well as possible next Saturday.

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Toulon, after two defeats in a row, for its part dominated Pau (27-16), which continues to lose and can be worried about its end of the season.

The 16th day will end on Sunday with the clash between Toulouse (1st, 49 pts) and the reigning French champion, Montpellier (7th, 38 pts).

© 2023 AFP