Section Paloise vs Stade Rochelais Prediction & Betting Tips - Top 14

Prediction published on 04/01/2024, 09:00  by Nella Wagah | Modified on 05/01/2024 at 01:26 in Rugby Predictions

The first Top 14 game of the year will see Pau welcome Stade Rochelais to the Estadio du Hameau on Saturday. A decent start to the season has Pau in fourth place while Rochelais sit eighth after a mixed campaign. Pau are chasing a playoff ticket and are well on course with their target as just a point separates them from a semis berth. A defeat to US Oyonnax however brought the year to a close for Pau, marking their fourth loss in the Top 14. Victory would have seen them start the year at the summit after Racing faltered against Aviron Bayonnais. The hosts are punching above their weight this campaign as they have been battling relegation in recent seasons. Joe Simmonds has been at the center of their rise so far, bagging the most points in the division, at 126.

Stade Rochelais had something to smile about as they ended 2023 with a 29-8 victory over Stade Toulousain. The victory was sweet revenge after losing the final to Toulousain last season as their search for a maiden title persists. A red card to Thomas Lavault did little to deter them from a win as they seek to break into the playoffs. The back-to-back Champions Cup winners are having an indifferent season and are three points from the playoff places. At the Estadio du Hameau, Rochelais have enjoyed success in recent visits, winning their last five encounters. Discipline has cost the visitors this season with Jonathan Danty, Thomas Lavault and Teddy Thomas all being sent off.