Paris (France) (AFP) – Plundered by the XV of France and affected by injuries, the Toulouse leader and his new runner-up Pau performed on Saturday, notably with a Béarnaise demonstration against Perpignan (63-26), while at the bottom of the ranking Racing won in Castres at the last second.

Published on: 07/11/2026 - 20:00

Due to the match of the XV of France on Saturday evening against Fiji, as part of the Nations Championship, this 9th day of Top 14 will include two matches on Sunday, with the trip of the double European champions of UBB (4th) to the red lantern Vannes, on the Beaujoire lawn in Nantes, then the reception of Bayonne (7th) by La Rochelle (9th) in the evening.

. The big names ensure

With 26 absentees, between internationals required by the Blues or other selections and a full infirmary, the Stade Toulouse never really trembled against Clermont (28-18), with a new performance from its baby bottle class and in particular several of its 2024 hopeful French champions.

But the veterans showed the way, with the first try of the match signed by hooker Julien Marchand, absent for a month, and his 83rd in the championship for winger Teddy Thomas, more than ever the top scorer in the active Top 14. With Jack Willis' scratches as a bonus, the reigning quadruple French champions are guaranteed to remain leaders at the end of this day, whatever the UBB result on Sunday.

No fear either on the Hameau side, where Pau crushed Usap with nine tries on the scoreboard, including a double from Grégoire Arfeuil, always so elusive on his wing, and the first achievement in Top 14 from former Vannes player Joachim Senga-Kouo, 18 years old.

Note, in the Catalan nightmare, the first try also in Top 14 for the ex-All Black Sevu Reece, and that of Posolo Tuilagi, who seems to be regaining his form.

. The MHR on the podium, 5 out of 5 from Toulon

A more difficult afternoon on the other hand for Montpellier, whose game was less brilliant than its new pitch on Saturday, with a victory at the end of the suspense against Lyon (21-19), thanks in particular to a double from its hooker Christopher Tolofua. But the LOU has long believed in the feat, with a single, magnificent try from Maraku, but above all the perfect foot from Irish fly-half Paddy Jackson (14 points).

Behind the finalists of the last Top 14, now on the podium, the other demonstration of the day is to the credit of the Toulonnais, decidedly invincible since Franck Azema was alone in charge of the team, after the resignation of Mignoni the day after a 28-0 slap in Montpellier.

With a fifth victory in a row, in all competitions, this time against Stade Français (43-23), offensive bonus as a bonus, the RCT is now 5th in the standings and has found a game that impresses, while the Parisian Pink Soldiers (8th) are still chasing their first away victory this season.

In addition to the hat-trick of its Sevens Olympic champion, Rayan Rebbadj, the Mayol public was also able to admire the return of its international winger Gaël Dréan, also author of an essay for his return to the field, almost six months after his heart operation in May.

. Racing breathes

13th in the standings at kick-off today, Racing 92 had to win, in Castres, then 12th, to move away from this play-off place far from its semi-finalist standard last season. But it was the CO who were in the lead at half-time (14-10), and again in the 74th minute (28-27), after Zarantonello's try, following Manyarara's red card (71st) for Racing.

But the scorers saved the Ciel et Blanc, authors of only three tries, compared to four for Xavier Sadourny's men, with a final penalty signed by Ugo Seunes at the last second, two minutes after the end of regulation time.

The only consolation for Castres, now 13th, is this defensive bonus which leaves them nine points ahead of Vannes. Racing 92 is breathing a little better (11th), tied with Perpignan, one point ahead of the CO.

© 2026 AFP

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