The French Top 14 returns after the European break with a host of exciting fixtures providing no let up for any of the sides in France's premier division. The top two, Toulouse and Clermont take to the road as they attempt to consolidate their good form in Europe, whilst Toulon travel to third placed Castres looking to overhaul them into third place.
Friday
Bayonne v Lyon 19:00
Bayonne host fellow strugglers Lyon in the first Top 14 game of the weekend. The Basque side took two big confidence-boosting victories from their two European games and will look to put some space between themselves and relegation rivals Lyon. With the likes of internationals Mike Phillips, Joe Rokocoko and Cedric Heymans who all made appearances in their Challenge Cup matches, Bayonne will be hoping to climb the table, despite only three victories to their name in the Top 14 this season.
Lyon travel to Bayonne having not competed in the Top 14 in over a month. In contrast to their host's European form, they head into Friday's fixture on the back of two defeats in the Challenge Cup. Before the mumps outbreak within the Lyon squad, they had been on a fairly decent run of form, but the untimely interruption may have seriously damaged their survival hopes. The influx of Bayonne's star names should be enough to see off the newly-promoted side. Bayonne by less than 7.
Racing Metro v Biarritz 19:30
Following back-to-back away victories in the Top 14, Racing Metro's resurgence has wavered after a poor showing in Europe. The Parisians suffered defeat at home to Cardiff and then were on the wrong side of one of the most thrilling games in recent Heineken Cup history when they threw away a 24 point lead against Edinburgh at Murrayfield.
Racing's dip in form couldn't come at a better time for Biarritz. The Basque side “ who managed only their second victory of the season against Saracens last weekend “ sit bottom of the Top 14 and will hope that the return of their international stars will boost their domestic campaign as it has their Heineken Cup. History is on Racing's side, with Biarritz winning only once in the last four encounters, and with their European campaign all but over, Racing will have to settle with concentrating on ensuring that they cement their place in next year's Heineken Cup. Racing by less than 3.
Perpignan v Stade Français 19:45
Perpignan host a vastly improved Stade Français on Friday evening looking for their first league win in six games. With only a narrow victory at home to Exeter since September 23rd, the 2009 finalists are truly stuck in a rut. Even the influence of Wales pivot James Hook has failed to turn Perpignan in the right direction. As a result of their poor form, manager Jaques Delmas has been shown the door, just four months after taking the helm.
Stade are a team in the ascendency at the moment, they head to Perpignan on the back of a trio of wins including their thrilling bonus point victory over Clermont Auvergne. The Parisians have won only twice in Perpignan “ in 2003 and 2008 “ but on current form, and with Perpignan managerless, an away victory is the most probable outcome. Stade Français by less than 7.
Saturday
Brive v Toulouse 13:15
Brive go into Saturday's clash against leaders Toulouse desperate to avoid an eighth defeat of the season. Amazingly, despite having lost more games than anyone, the home side find themselves inside the top ten due to some close results and a good collection of losing bonus points which could prove crucial come the end of the season. Things are looking up, however, Brive are top of their Challenge Cup group with two impressive victories building up their confidence as they take on the giants of French Rugby.
Toulouse also top their European group after two victories in their first two games. The league leaders will hope to avoid a repeat of last season's fixture which ended in a draw as they go in hunt of a record 19th title. Their performances of late have been lacklustre, but it is the form of champions to grind out victories when you are not playing well, and Toulouse have both the talent and tenacity to grind out a victory in what will be a close encounter. Toulouse by less than 3.
Montpellier v Clermont Auvergne 13:15
Last season's finalists Montpellier are yet to find the form of last year, sitting just above the relegation spots in 12th place. Home has not felt particularly homely for Montpellier, with just one win in four matches at the Stade Yves-du-Manoir this season. They will be buoyed by their performances in their debut Heineken Cup matches, even if they failed to win either. A draw against champions Leinster and a close defeat at Bath will have been good experience for Montpellier, as they look to find a way of stemming the Clermont tide that will come at them on Saturday.
After their defeat in the capital last time out, Clermont will be looking to bounce back and keep the pressure on Toulouse at the top of the table. Their Heineken Cup performances have been mixed, with a defeat in Ireland against a spirited Ulster contrasting sharply with their crushing of minnows Aironi last weekend. Les Jaunards will welcome All Black Sitiveni Sivivatu to their ranks, who is set to make his first appearance for the 2010 champions. This one promises to be a thriller “ Clermont are undoubtedly the stronger side, but with their faltering away form, it could be Montpellier's chance to cause an upset and attempt to progress up the Top 14 table. Clermont by less than 7.
Castres v Toulon 15:15
Without a win in five games, Castres' good start to the season appears to be running out of steam. They still find themselves third, with only Toulouse and Clermont above them, but they will need a good result against a strong Toulon side to ensure they don't fall into the chasing pack.
Toulon, on the other hand, are heading in the opposite direction to their hosts. Victory on Saturday could see the Mediterranean side leapfrog Castres into third spot. Five wins in a row in all competitions, heralded by the return of Johnny Wilkinson puts Toulon in good stead to take a first victory at Castres since 1986. Their efforts will be boosted by the unveiling of new signings Simon Shaw and Matt Giteau, who are available for selection this weekend. Toulon by less than 7.
Agen v Bordeaux-Bègles 19:45
Saturday evening's kick off sees arguably the Top 14's two over-achievers so far this season go head-to-head. A surprise home defeat to Brive was Agen's first in four games, and Agen will hope this was just a minor blip on the radar as they keep up their pursuit of Heineken Cup rugby next season. Defeat for Bordeaux would see them sucked into a relegation battle that they so far have done well to stay above. Another good victory over Castres was followed by two poor defeats in Europe, and Bordeaux will be up against it to come away from the Stade Armandie with any points this weekend. Agen by less than 7.
