The Champions group stage has almost delivered its verdict for the French clubs. Stade Toulousain, UBB (who will host), LOU and Racing 92 are qualified for the round of 16. Conversely, RC Toulon, Stade Français Paris and Aviron bayonnais (which will be transferred to the Challenge Cup) are eliminated.
There remains the case of the double title holder, Stade Rochelais who, after two defeats, put themselves back in a position to qualify thanks to their improved victory against the Leicester Tigers last weekend. A victory for the Maritimes against the English in Sale this Sunday would ensure they continue their dream of a treble. But their opponent is under the same obligation: victory or nothing...
A draw (or a double bonus, defensive and offensive) could also qualify Ronan O'Gara's squad, the English Leicester having lost at home, 10-27, against the Irish province of Leinster this Saturday.