During the World Cup break, let's take a look at the performances of the teams in our league at the start of the season.
AVIRON BAYONNAIS ➡️ A mixed start (1 win, 2 defeats)
Bayonnais got the championship off to a perfect start with a 26-7 win over champions Toulouse at their Jean-Dauger stadium. They then lost to Toulon, but came away with a valuable defensive bonus point (19-14). Bayonnais, on the other hand, suffered a heavy defeat at Castres on Matchday 3, failing to score a single point (37-0). As if the Castres in-goal didn't exist.
BORDE
AUX-BÈGLES ➡️ An encouraging start to the season (2 wins, 1 defeat)
The Bordelos-Béglais lost the opening match of the championship to Racing 92 (23-18), but picked up a defensive bonus point. They then followed that up with 2 straight wins over Castres (25-23) and Toulon (22-17) at their Chaban-Delmas stadium. Bordeaux loves suspense, and so do we!
CASTRES OLYMPIQUE ➡️ A diesel start (2 wins, 1 loss)
The Castrais won by the slimmest of margins on the opening day against Pau (24-23). They then lost at Chaban Delmas by just two points (25-23) before beating Bayonne on an amazing score (37-0).
CLERMONT AUVERGNE ➡️ A monotonous start (2 wins, 1 defeat)
ASM were outclassed by promoted Oyonnax in their league opener (36-17). They then responded well at home to USAP (38-14) and La Rochelle (11-10), in a boring match.
LA ROCHELLE ➡️ A mediocre start (1 win, 2 defeats)
Deprived of a number of key players, Les Rochelais opened their league campaign with a 26-15 defeat at Montpellier. They then responded well at Marcel-Deflandre against LOU (35-14). Just before the summer break, they left "Le Michelin" with a disappointing defensive bonus point (11-10). The Rochelais fans are eagerly awaiting the return of their international players.
LYON ➡️ A good start, then a rout (1 win, 2 defeats)
Lyon got their season off to the perfect start with an attacking bonus point win over RCT (27-15). They then conceded 35 points at La Rochelle and 40 at Pau. A break that will do the Lyonnais a world of good to get their heads back in the game. Over the past few days, we've had to deal with a few "LOUveteaux" on the pitch.
MONTPELLIER ➡️ A very mixed start (1 win, 2 defeats)
Despite their opening victory over La Rochelle (26-15), Montpellier then fell apart in the first half of the championship. Dominated by Toulouse on Matchday 2 (38-13), they failed to respond against Stade Français, losing 24-9. They will need to react quickly if they are to avoid going off course.
OYONNAX ➡️ A decent start for a promoted team (1 win, 2 defeats)
Admittedly, the results were not very good, but the content was rather encouraging. On their return to the top flight, Oyonnax beats Clermont 36-17 on their return to action. They then lost at Paris (28-18), before coming close to a defensive bonus against Toulouse (21-27). We're being rather lenient with the newcomers.
PAU ➡️ Excellent recovery for The Palois (2 wins, 1 defeat)
Despite losing by a single point to Castres (24-23), Les Palois quickly responded in the best possible way. After a hard-fought 19-17 win over Racing, the men in green outclassed LOU Rugby before the break, taking the attacking bonus (40-10). But who is this team?
PERPIGNAN ➡️ A poor start (3 defeats)
The Catalans have had a disastrous start to the season. Defeated at home by Stade Français on Matchday 1 (7-29), they failed to respond against Clermont (38-14) and suffered a heavy defeat against Racing on Matchday 3 (59-10). With 126 points conceded in 3 matches, Perpignan's start to the season has been nothing short of complicated. Should they have joined the Pro D2 last year?
RACING 92 ➡️ A good start to the season (2 wins, 1 defeat)
Racing got their campaign off to a good start with a 23-18 win over Bordeaux. They then lost to Pau at Le Hameau, picking up a defensive bonus (19-17). Finally, they unleashed their rugby against the Catalans of USAP (59-10), scoring 9 tries in the process. Les Ciel et Blanc show no mercy...
STADE FRANÇAIS ➡️ Received 3/3 (3 wins)
Admittedly, Stade Français have yet to face any of the big names in the Top 14, but they have done the basics - 3 games, 3 wins. First of all against Perpignan (7-29), then against Oyonnax (28-18), before dominating Montpellier (24-9). Real stadium gods!
TOULON ➡️ A rollercoaster start (1 win, 2 defeats)
RCT lost to Lyon in the opening match of the championship (27-15). They then responded well with a 19-14 win over Bayonne. Before the break, they came away from Bordeaux with a valuable defensive bonus point (22-17). Toulon is a mess.
TOULOUSE ➡️ The rise crescendo (2 wins, 1 defeat)
In the opening match of the championship at Jean-Dauger, the Toulousans looked unrecognisable against the Basques, losing 26-7. They then responded like champions by outclassing Montpellier (38-13), before winning at Oyonnax (21-27). Never doubt the big clubs.
See you on 29 October to find out what happens next!
