The second break of the VI nations allowed, this weekend most of the international players to return to their clubs
As with every week-end, the first game kicked off on the Friday: Montpellier demonstrated strength and passion to beat Stade Français, with a 19-10 score, to retain their third position overall.
The last game was the derby between Biarritz and Bayonne. There are only five kilometres between these two towns of the Basque region and, as you would expect, lots of rivalry between the two teams. While the respective fans are going through difficult times, witnessing their teams struggling at the bottom of the Top 14, there was for both teams a strong wish to demonstrate pride. No miracle for Biarritz: Bayonne won 11-8. This is hard to believe that Biarritz will play next year in the second league (called the Pro D2). You might all remember that less than 10 years ago, Biarritz was the leader of the French league and reached the H Cup final, to lose it against Munster, 19-23.
In between these two games, Toulon simply destroyed Oyonnax with 64-10 and 9 tries to now lead the top 14, with the same number of points as Clermont-Auvergne, but with a better points difference.
Excellent result also from Bordeaux who successfully despatched Clermont, 26-16; this ensures, step-by-step, that Bordeaux will remain in the Top 14 next year, but now Bordeaux want more (and why not?); playing the play-offs. Let’s see next week-end if Bordeaux can confirm this success.
The other excellent result of the week-end comes from Toulouse, who managed to beat Perpignan (after having lost their last five games against them), with 37-9 and 5 tries, gaining two places in the overall ranking and are now back in the top 5.
The Racing Métro has no choice for the coming weeks, but to win if they want to qualify for the play-offs. Without Johnny Sexton this week-end, Racing has fulfilled the contract by winning against Castres, 25-15 to remain hopeful for the play-offs.
Last but not least, Brives has nearly secured to remain in the Top 14 next year by winning against Grenoble, 31-6.
Top 14 Standings – Day 21
| Pos | Team | Total Points | Bonus Points | Played | Won | Draw | Lost | For | Against | Pts Diff |
| 1 | Toulon | 60 | 10 | 21 | 12 | 1 | 8 | 527 | 350 | 177 |
| 2 | Clermont | 60 | 10 | 21 | 12 | 1 | 8 | 559 | 403 | 156 |
| 3 | Montpellier | 57 | 11 | 21 | 11 | 1 | 9 | 510 | 428 | 82 |
| 4 | Stade Français | 56 | 5 | 21 | 13 | 0 | 8 | 409 | 373 | 36 |
| 5 | Toulouse | 55 | 11 | 21 | 11 | 0 | 10 | 420 | 347 | 73 |
| 6 | Castres | 55 | 9 | 21 | 11 | 1 | 9 | 449 | 387 | 62 |
| 7 | Racing Métro | 52 | 4 | 21 | 11 | 2 | 8 | 332 | 356 | -24 |
| 8 | Racing Métro | 51 | 11 | 21 | 9 | 2 | 10 | 400 | 362 | 38 |
| 9 | Brive | 50 | 10 | 20 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 474 | 441 | 33 |
| 10 | Grenoble | 50 | 4 | 21 | 11 | 1 | 9 | 380 | 464 | -84 |
| 11 | Bayonne | 43 | 7 | 21 | 9 | 0 | 12 | 307 | 430 | -123 |
| 12 | Perpignan | 42 | 8 | 21 | 8 | 1 | 12 | 390 | 477 | -87 |
| 13 | Oyannax | 35 | 3 | 19 | 8 | 0 | 11 | 310 | 433 | -123 |
| 14 | Biarritz | 22 | 6 | 20 | 4 | 0 | 16 | 262 | 478 | -216 |