Racing 92 vs Castres Olympique Prediction & Betting Tips - Top 14

Prediction published on 04/01/2024, 11:00  by Nella Wagah | Modified on 05/01/2024 at 02:45 in Rugby Predictions

League leaders Racing Metro 92 welcome Castres Olympique to the París La Défense Arena in Saturday’s Top 14 clash. An impressive season has Racing at the summit of the log while Castres' poor run sees them slip to sixth. The hosts are looking to secure an automatic place in the semi-finals while Castres occupy the last playoff place. In their last outing, Racing missed out on the chance to firm their grip at the summit, losing 27-23 to Aviron Bayonnais. A last-gasp try from Rémy Baget sunk Racing’s hearts in the highly charged encounter. Racing possess a formidable attack that has racked in 318 points which is the best in the championship. The impressive numbers have been contributed to by Noalann Le Garrec, Henry Arundell and Thomas Laclayat. Garrec is second on the top try scorer’s list with six while Arundell and Laclayat share five tries apiece and sit third.

In the final Top 14 game of 2023, Castres came out unstuck against championship strugglers USA Perpignan, losing 13-17. Perpignan battled hard for victory despite Xavier Chiocci Jerónimo de la Fuente being sent to the naughty bin in the second half. The defeat extended Castres’ losing run to three in all competitions and they badly need to turn their form around. The visitors will also be rocked by the news that Tyler Ardron has been ruled out for about two months. The third row suffered a knee injury and will be missed due to his good aerial abilities and leadership qualities. Pierre Popelin will again need to be at his best to hand Castres a chance, having bagged 121 points, the second most in the championship.