Three.
The Stade Toulousain will have, for another three days, to hold without its many international retained with the XV of France for the Tournament of the six nations.
If François Cros and Melvyn Jaminet are lined up this weekend against Toulon, Flament, Dupont, Ntamack, Jelonch, Baille, Marchand and Ramos will not be there.
During this long period, will the Rouge et Noir, still leaders of the Top 14, be able to hold their lead over their pursuers?
To discover
Schedule and Top 14 results
Ranking Top 14
A first trip to Toulon to open the ball
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This season, we are managing to better manage and anticipate things.
We rested almost all our internationals who were not injured, and we will continue to do so, sometimes even taking 30 points in La Rochelle as was the case.
This season, we have prepared for the doubles period by making people play a lot more, those who would have playing time during this period, this is the case for example of Guillaume Cramont, "said Ugo Mola at the start of the season
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Rugbyrama
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But every year, the same refrain comes back in the pink city.
Real nursery and unofficial supplier of the XV of France, Toulouse is deprived, at the same time of the season, of at least five players.
In addition to its French internationals, the Haut-Garonne club will also have to do without Jack Willis, excellent last weekend with England against Italy.
All those selected will be back in mid-March and will be able to apply for the move to neighboring Castres on March 25.
But before that, it will be necessary to negotiate a first perilous trip to Toulon for a classic of the championship, the reception of the Paloise Section on February 25 and a second trip to the Paris La Défense Arena against Racing 92.
The Toulouse were however able to count on the important return of Santiago Chocobares to the center of the attack, who has just extended his contract in the pink city.
The young Cramont, Boubila, Brennan, Page-Relo hold the barracks while Juan Cruz Mallia plays the Swiss Army knives.
Guillaume Cramont is acting as hooker.
CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP
Note that Ugo Mola's men won a precious success on February 4 in the mark of the 17th day of Top 14, against the surprise guest at the top of the table, Bayonne (21-16).
With a perfectible content, of course, but the firm will to prove its wealth of manpower.
Stade Français eight points, Lyon come back strong
For now, Toulouse is keeping pace.
But his pursuers, logically less impacted by the absence of the internationals, have long teeth.
The Stade Français, second surprise eight points behind the leader, remains on four victories in five matches.
Gonzalo Quesada's men are having an excellent season.
At the same time last year, the Parisians were struggling to maintain.
They will first move to Bayonne this Saturday (3 p.m.) before chaining a reception against the reigning French champion from Montpellier and a trip to Toulon.
Meetings against contenders for the final stages but the Stade Français is ready.
The Roses will however be able to count on Julien Delbouis this Saturday but not Sekou Macalou.
Let's not forget Lyon, 3rd either.
Admittedly, Xavier Garbajosa's men are 14 points behind the Toulouse leader but are coming back very strongly.
Little affected by the internationals (only Romain Taofifenua and Ethan Dumortier and Baptiste Couilloud are selected), the Lyonnais have faced a busy infirmary since the start of the season.
But they have resources.
The return of Josua Tuisova has been beneficial, having scored two tries in his last two matches.
The Rhodaniens remain on three consecutive victories in the championship and will have the advantage, over the next three days, of receiving twice (Montpellier and Racing 92) before going to Castres.
So, will Stade Toulousain be taken over before the return of its internationals?
Answer this Saturday in Toulon.
