The game of the weekend will undoubtedly take place at the Stade Jean Bouin on Sunday as high-flying Stade Francais host a determined Racing 92 outfit, writes Shaun Goosen.
Stade Francais v Racing 92
30 September 16h50
Stade Jean Bouin
To Win (80 mins)
Stade 9/20
Draw 17/1
Racing 18/10
Heyneke Meyer’s men are off to one of their best starts in recent seasons, claiming four wins in the opening five matches played thus far, including the big scalp of Toulon a fortnight ago. They currently sit in second behind Clermont (who bested them 42-20 earlier this month) and will be set on putting even more space between them and those playing catch up with another win on Sunday.
Despite having seen off Pau relatively comfortably by 25-13, though, Racing offer a different challenge entirely. Last season’s Champions Cup finalists will be looking to bring their Parisian rivals down a peg or two as well as close the gap between the sides on the league standings (which currently sits at a mere four-points).
Racing may have endured a pretty wishy-washy start in claiming three wins from five, but all those familiar with the erratic nature of the Top 14 will realize just how little such stats matter when it comes to game day.
With so much star quality on show, this contest could go either way. If Sergio Parisse can get his forwards to dominate the likes of Leone Nakarawa and co. up front, their superb backline should see to the rest.
Verdict: Stade Francais 9/20
Home ground advantage and a more physical pack should lead the men in pink to yet another win this season as Racing continue to battle with consistency.
