Top 14: UBB and La Rochelle at the relaunch, Ile-de-France derby between Racing and Stade Français

“In shock” after the defeat in Lyon (28-17), in the words of third row and captain Judicaël Cancoriet, Stade Rochelais (9th, 35 pts) will try to find some color on the grounds of Perpignan (12th, 26 pts).

“The players were more focused this week on real estate on the Ile de Ré than on training. You have to know what you want in life: to be rich with apartments and houses or with medals,” complained Maritimes coach Ronan O'Gara.

Will the Irishman's bleeding declarations bear fruit? Response on Saturday from the Catalans, uncompromising at home since November in the league (5 consecutive victories).

Without its five-star three-quarter line, retained in Marcoussis for the Six Nations Tournament, and with a suffering pack, the Girondins are marking time.

Having fallen into the Pau trap (20-10), UBB (3rd, 41 pts) will want to stop dragging its spleen to Castres (5th, 39 pts), not necessarily the best place to get back on track.

Also read: Top 14: at what time and on which channel to watch Castres-UBB?

Back in the top 6 thanks to its convincing victory against Toulon (25-17), the CO likes to knock heads at Pierre-Fabre: it has only lost three times in the last year in all competitions.

Especially since in the Girondin ranks, the injury of winger Madosh Tambwe, victim of a broken hand, was added to the absences of Matthieu Jalibert, Maxime Lucu, Damian Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey.

After a brisk start to the season, Racing 92 (4th, 40 pts) is marking time. Stuart Lancaster's men have three defeats, including two at home.

Not ideal for preparing for the derby against Stade Français, co-leader of the Top 14 tied on points with Stade Toulouse (46 pts). Especially since the Ciel et Blanc still have in mind the defeat inflicted by the Pink Soldiers at the Arena (48-10) last season.

“We have not forgotten it, we still have it in our throat,” admitted pillar Hassane Kolingar. “It’s a great team, we know it’s going to be a big fight up front. Behind, same. “It’s a very important match for the rest of our season.”

The Parisians will cross the ring road with confidence, on the strength of three consecutive successes, including two away. Even without their top scorer Jeremy Ward, suspended, Stade Français can see life rosy.

After its offensive festival (9 tries) against Oyonnax (61-34), Stade Toulouse, co-leader with Stade français (46 pts), will have to raise the defensive slider in Clermont (8th, 35 pts) on Sunday evening.

“We were scolded by the coaches (...) It’s certain that if we play the same match in defense, we will take a beating,” warned the young third row Léo Banos (21), recalled from his loan to Mont-de-Marsan (Pro D2) during the doubles.

A period that the reigning French champion, although the Blues' main provider, has negotiated perfectly until then, with three victories in three matches, two of which were improved.

Which should lead him to slightly rotate his squad in Auvergne, where Matthis Lebel, released by the French staff, could start at the back.