There are few certainties before this last day of the Top 14 regular season. We know that the Stade Français and the Paloise Section have nothing more to fear, nor to hope for.
That Biarritz Olympique is already relegated to Pro D2.
But if Montpellier, Bordeaux-Bègles and Castres already have their ticket in their pocket for the final phase, it remains to be determined whether it will be via the play-off box or directly in the semi-finals (disputed in Nice).
This is one of the many challenges of this 26th and last day disputed this Sunday (9:05 p.m.) in multiplex.
To discover
Schedule and Top 14 results
Ranking Top 14
Who directly in the semi-finals?
Montpellier
(1st, 73 points),
Bordeaux-Bègles
(2nd, 72),
Castres
(3rd, 72) are in pole position to finish in the first two places.
The three teams travel during this 26th day.
The MHR in Clermont, the UBB in Perpignan and the CO in Pau.
Their respective results will condition the final order.
If two or three of these teams finished on equal points, the NRL regulations take into account to decide between them:
- the number of field points obtained in all the matches between the teams concerned;
- then the goal average over all the matches in the competition if the tie persists.
If equality between the MHR and the CO, ground points advantage for Castres;
If equality between the UBB and the CO, ground points advantage for the UBB;
If equality between the MHR and the UBB, equality of field points (goal-average: +121 for the MHR, +133 for the UBB).
Note that
La Rochelle
, 4th with 67 points, can claim one of the first two places.
Provided they win with the offensive bonus in Lyon and Bordeaux and Castres lose without taking the defensive (or offensive) bonus, the recent European champions having the field-point advantage against these two teams.
Who for the last three places in the final phase?
La Rochelle
(4th, 67 points),
Racing 92
(5th, 66 points),
Toulouse
(6th, 66 points),
Toulon
(7th, 64 points),
Lyon
(8th, 63 points), even
Clermont
(9th, 62 points ), are in the fight.
With some clear data.
Stade Toulousain is in the best position and has its destiny in its hands.
The reigning French champion receives Biarritz, already relegated to Pro D2.
A simple victory will validate his qualification.
The stakes are also clear between Racing and Toulon, which clashes at Paris La Défense Arena.
The winner will be in the final phase, the loser on vacation.
In the event of a draw, the Ile-de-France club qualifies and the RCT is eliminated.
The equation is also known for the match between Lyon and Stade Rochelais.
To qualify, LOU must beat the recent Champions Cup winner with the attacking bonus.
Any other result qualifies the Maritimes.
If the Rochelais lose in the big widths, they would however remain qualified provided that Toulon does not beat Racing.
For Clermont, on the other hand, it is an (almost) impossible mission.
Without going into all the details, the Auvergnats must beat Montpellier (if possible with the offensive bonus) and hope for defeats from Lyon and, above all, from Stade Toulousain at home against the BO... Last challenge for all these contenders, finish if possible at 4th place to receive in the play-offs next weekend.
Who for the Top 14/Pro D2 accession jump-off?
The deal is simple.
Perpignan, 13th with 39 points, must imperatively beat UBB at home and hope for a defeat of Brive (12th, 42 points) on the lawn of the Stade Français Paris.
In all other cases (draw or defeat against the Girondins), USAP will play the play-off.
If Brive draw in Paris, the Catalans must win with the attacking bonus.
Finally, if Brive wins, Perpignan will remain 13th regardless of its result.
Given the determination of the UBB players - "
Perpignan, for us, it's already a game of the final phase
", insisted the second row Guido Petti, his team aiming for a victory to secure a place directly in semi-finals, the task looks tough for the Catalans.
