We’ve got a rather short Top 14 preview for you this week as we’ll only be looking at the games that are currently priced up as a number of fixtures hang in the balance due to COVID concerns.
There is still some great value to be had according to our rugby writer who reckons Lyon at 19/20 to beat Pau is a very decent prospect.
*Please note that this article was written on Thursday the 8th of October.
Bayonne v La Rochelle
Friday 9 October
Stade Jean Dauger
20:45
To Win (80 Mins)
Bayonne 11/20
Draw 20/1
La Rochelle 15/10
Bayonne and La Rochelle will get Round 4 of the French Top 14 season underway this Friday evening. The hosts currently sit sixth on the ladder and have won two of their opening three games with their latest victory being a 19-26 away victory over Stade Francais.
La Rochelle have only played two games thus far with their fixture against Racing Metro – that was due to be played last weekend – called off as a number of Racing players tested positive for COVID-19. They have won one of their first two games with their victory coming in Round 1 where they beat Toulon 29-15.
Verdict: Bayonne 11/20
Bayonne are in solid touch and I can see them making it three wins from four fixtures.
Agen v Stade Francais
Saturday 10 October
Armandie Stadium
18:15
To Win (80 Mins)
Agen 9/10
Draw 18/1
Stade 9/10
We’re heading over to the Stade Armandie for our next fixture which will see winless Agen take on a hit and miss Stade outfit.
The hosts have suffered three defeats since the season got underway going down 22-26 to Castres, 33-23 to Pau and 31-12 to Clermont.
Stade have only fared slightly better than their opponents beating Castres 16-22 while going down to Bayonne 19-26 and Toulon 19-18.
Verdict: Stade 9/10
I’m on the visitors here. Agen looked completely lost as a side and I think they’ll struggle again this weekend.
Toulon v Montpellier
Saturday 10 October
Stade Mayol
18:15
To Win (80 Mins)
Toulon 4/10
Draw 20/1
Montpellier 19/10
Toulon will be looking to claim on their second win of the campaign when they take on a Montpellier side who after losing their Round 1 and 3 fixtures had their Round 3 game against Castres cancelled due to COVID concerns.
Toulon had a rather tough time of it last weekend as they were hammered by a rampant Toulouse side 39-19. This loss will be a major disappointment for the big spenders as it comes off the back of an impressive victory over Lyon.
Verdict: Toulon 4/10
The hosts should be far too strong for a Montpellier side who are yet to truly get their season up and running.
Pau v Lyon
Sunday 11 October
Stade du Hameau
19:00
To Win (80 Mins)
Pau 17/20
Draw 18/1
Lyon 19/20
The final game we’ll take a look at is the clash between Pau and Lyon. The hosts have had a decent enough start to the season winning two of their three games with their victories coming over Agen and Montpellier, while they were beaten 19-13 by Brive last weekend.
Lyon haven’t fared as well as their opponents with Le Wolves only winning one of their three fixtures. Their victory did come last weekend, however, where they beat Bordeaux 27-10.
Verdict: Lyon 19/20
Lyon have a number of players coming back from injury and COVID isolation and they should put in a really solid display here.
