The Stade Français is in full swing. Despite a hiccup against La Rochelle at the beginning of March, the Parisians remain on six victories in seven Top 14 matches since their elimination in the Champions Cup at the end of January.
On Saturday, Laurent Labit's men found success against LOU (22-13), despite a delicate start to the match, even letting the Lyonnais take the advantage before the break. Returning from the locker room, the Parisians were able to show their muscles with tries from Etien, Habel-Küffner and Peyresblanques. A cannonball end to the match which allows the club to consolidate its place at the top of the championship.
With 59 points, Stade Français is three points ahead of Stade Toulousain, which hosts Pau this Saturday evening. Behind, UBB is third with 49 points and the Parisians are therefore well on their way to securing one of the first two places synonymous with direct qualification for the semi-finals of the Top 14. Last year, they were eliminated in the play-offs by the neighbors of Racing 92.
For its part, Montpellier is on a survival mission. After having experienced a catastrophic start to the season with eight defeats in a row between August and December, the MHR is recovering its cherry. Since their series in the red, Patrice Collazo's men have won seven of their last ten meetings.
After its heavy defeat in Toulon (54-7), Montpellier is in 13th place, synonymous with a playoff at the end of the season, one point behind LOU, first non-relegation with 38 points. After Stade Français, the MHR will face Pau, Perpignan and Castres. Essential matches in the fight for maintenance.
The match between Montpellier and Stade Français can be followed this Saturday March 30 at 3 p.m. on Canal + Sport.