Shock.
The ambitious against the tenant.
The revenge against the winner of the last four encounters.
The duel this Saturday evening between Bordeaux-Bègles, dolphin, and Stade Toulousain, leader, will appoint the leader of the Top 14 at the end of this 12th day.
A summit marked by several duels under XV de France.
Jalibert versus Ntamack of course, but not only.
To discover
Calendar and results Top 14
Ranking Top 14
Woki-Cros, between earth and air
Even Fabien Galthié can no longer decide between them. Against New Zealand, he positioned Bordeaux's Cameron Woki in the second row to integrate Toulouse's François Cros in the third row. If these two players have the same ability to maintain a high level of intensity for a long time, often appear as first support, the first brings more to the aerial game - he is touch captain of the Blues - when the second brings his defensive presence and in the rucks. The nuance is fine, however, and their duel for possession of the ball will be one of the keys to the meeting. The battle in the ground game promises to be ruthless between two players who will seek to mark their territory and confirm their rise in power in recent months.
Read alsoXV de France: the barometer of the Blues after the autumn tests
Lucu-Dupont, reinforce the lining
Well, on the status, there is no photo. Antoine Dupont is the holder of the position in the French team, the captain, the custodian of the game, an essential leader who often plays 70-75 minutes, or even all of the matches of the XV of France. But, behind him, an understudy must prevail. Baptiste Serin was number 2. The Toulonnais, long injured, did not find the ground until last week. In his absence, the Lyonnais Baptiste Couilloud took the 9 during the summer tour in Australia. Before demoting this fall to the benefit of Bordeaux Maxime Lucu. Who honored his first two selections. Not come into play against Argentina (80 minutes for Dupont), he benefited from half an hour against Georgia and a handful of minutes against the All Blacks.To validate this 2nd place in the hierarchy, Maxime Lucu must show all his qualities as a distributor against Stade Toulousain. A week ago, his entry into play against Racing coincided with the revolt of the Girondins, who had inflicted a 31-0 final on the Ile-de-France. But he will have a lot to do to watch his vis-à-vis, always on the lookout for a low start, an interval to tear.
Jalibert-Ntamack, the war of the chiefs
The two men, big ambitions and strong characters, are running for number 10 of the XV of France. The Bordelais had believed to gain the advantage by being designated opener against Argentina and Georgia when his Toulouse rival was demoted to the center. A disappointing association. So, against the New Zealanders, Fabien Galthié and his staff decided to give back the direction of the game to Romain Ntamack. Author of a dazzling and decisive performance, he closed the debate. Definitively ? It is to be bet that Matthieu Jalibert will want to demonstrate the opposite. The two strategists show practically similar statistics this season: 3 tries for Jalibert, 4 for Ntamack, but 4 assists for Bordeaux against 3 for Toulouse. And 19 defenders each beaten ... In their direct club confrontation, on the other hand,the score is clear: three victories for the champion of France and Europe. Jalibert, considered more soloist, will he succumb to the temptation to overplay in order to get the best of his competitor? The question is valid. And his answer can determine the outcome of this duel. To his advantage, if he is decisive, as to his detriment if his risk-taking ends up costing his team dearly. Last point of comparison. In the absence of Thomas Ramos, Romain Ntamack will recover the goal. An exercise in which Jalibert has distinguished himself since the start of the season (95 points scored). A duel within the duel therefore.And his answer can determine the outcome of this duel. To his advantage, if he is decisive, as to his detriment if his risk-taking ends up costing his team dearly. Last point of comparison. In the absence of Thomas Ramos, Romain Ntamack will recover the goal. An exercise in which Jalibert has distinguished himself since the start of the season (95 points scored). A duel within the duel therefore.And his answer can determine the outcome of this duel. To his advantage, if he is decisive, as to his detriment if his risk-taking ends up costing his team dearly. Last point of comparison. In the absence of Thomas Ramos, Romain Ntamack will recover the goal. An exercise in which Jalibert has distinguished himself since the start of the season (95 points scored). A duel within the duel therefore.
To read alsoNtamack-Jalibert, who is the strongest?
The response of former XV of France
Buros-Lebel, to give yourself wings
Romain Buros continues to surprise with his progress in the last few months. Embarked in Australia, he had not played a single minute of the tour of the XV of France. Again selected in the France group in November, the one who can play back (most often) or winger has still not been aligned on a scoresheet. When the Toulouse winger Mathis Lebel honored him, against Georgia, his first selection. What are the prospects in blue for these two test hunters? With Jaminet, Dulin and Ramos, number 15 seems inaccessible for Bordeaux Ramos. On the other hand on the wings, if Penaud and Villière start with a head start, an injury would free up a place. What are the two rivals fighting for today (without forgetting the Racingman Donovan Taofifenua). This Saturday evening,Buros will be expected on his ability to put his team in the direction of the game by his raises and taking intervals. And Lebel will have to show that he has regained his efficiency from last season (15 tries in all competitions, against only 1 in six starts since September) ...