Stade Rochelais vs RC Toulonnais Prediction & Betting Tips - Top 14

Prediction published on 26/04/2024, 15:05  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 27/04/2024 at 13:53 in Rugby Predictions

A crucial match in the playoff qualification race will play out this weekend when La Rochelle face Toulan on Sunday afternoon. The hosts are in sixth place in the league standings, while the visitors are fifth and just three points better off. La Rochelle suffered a narrow 25-24 defeat at the hands of Castres in the French Top 14 last Saturday, just a week after their elimination from the Champions Cup quarterfinals. Despite their recent setback, the two-time Champions Cup winners managed to climb to fourth place in the table, courtesy of a bonus point, with four rounds remaining in the French regular season. However, they were without former New Zealand scrum-half Tawera Kerr-Barlow due to a head injury sustained in the match against Leinster. La Rochelle held a slim 14-13 lead at halftime, propelled by an impressive solo try from Samoa center UJ Seuteni. Nevertheless, Castres turned the tide in the final 15 minutes, with Hulleu's brace of tries ultimately securing victory for his side and bringing his season's try tally to nine. La Rochelle will now return to Stade Pierre Fabre, where they have been formidable this season, boasting a six-match winning streak. With an unbeaten home record in 2024, the hosts are the favorites heading into this match.

Meanwhile, Toulone were also involved in a very close contest last week but came out on the right side of the scoreline, beating Toulouse 20-19 at home. Tauzin gave the visitors an early lead, but a double by Faingaanuku, along with ten points off the boot of Jaminet was enough to give Toulon a precious win against the number one contenders for the title. In addition, Alainu'uese was sent off just before the break in the last match, which saw Toulouse play the second half a man down, underlining how impressive that performance was. That result saw Toulon close the gap to fourth-placed Racing 92 to just two points. The visitors won their last away game, beating Bayonne 46-10, though that win came after seven consecutive defeats dating back to mid-December. Toulon have not won at this venue since February 2018.