Top 14: UBB, Racing 92, Toulon, La Rochelle... Big cars completely blocked

Now having become the second supplier of internationals for the French XV, the Union Bordeaux-Bègles is discovering the joys of the famous “doubles” without its best elements. Without its famous three-quarter line of “Galactics” (Lucu, Jalibert, Penaud, Bielle-Biarrey, Moefana), the Gironde club suffers. Last weekend, he lost heavily on the Castres pitch (41-12), conceding a fourth setback in five matches in all competitions, after a good series of eight successes. After a thunderous start to the season at the top of the rankings, the team now coached by Yannick Bru fell to 4th place, nine lengths behind the co-leaders Stades Français and Toulousain.

Confidence has taken a hit. What opener Matéo Garcia readily concedes: “We don’t necessarily have confidence. We make too many technical mistakes. This result is a headache. We must find our way to victory and reassure ourselves.” Misstep prohibited at Chaban-Delmas, Saturday evening (9:05 p.m.), on the occasion of the arrival of Racing 92, in even worse shape.

Dynamics: 4th, 1 win in 5 TCC matches

The Lancaster method in the tough. Having arrived this season at the head of Ciel et Blanc, the English manager quickly managed to put an effective game in place, and the results followed. Since the Champions Cup has been there and the machine has completely seized up. The Hauts-de-Seine club managed, in a small miracle, to get their ticket to the round of 16 with just one small victory after three defeats. Since the beginning of December, the dynamic has been catastrophic with only three wins in twelve matches. Unworthy of a contender for the declared title. The slap received last weekend at the Arena against Stade Français in the derby plunged Racing into deep doubt.

Also read “I’m here to change history”: Stuart Lancaster reveals his big project for Racing 92

Between international absences and a cascade of injuries, Stuart Lancaster is in an uncomfortable position: “Like last week, we are missing quite a few players in key positions. It's quite unprecedented for me to lose four scrum halves and have Max Spring (regular fullback) playing in this position. Same in the second row where we are missing Chouzenoux, Sanconnie, Rowlands and Woki, four international level players. It impacts team cohesion.” The trip to Bordeaux promises to be, once again, very complicated...

Dynamics: 6th, 3 wins in 12 TCC matches

One day yes, several days no. The Rugby Club Toulonnais shines this season with its inconsistency and has had a series of setbacks since the beginning of December. The discontent of the Var supporters does not calm down. Manager Pierre Mignoni repeats, week after week, that he needs time, that things are going in the right direction. Except that the results do not follow and the content produced by the RCT is worrying. Last weekend in Pau, Toulon conceded a third defeat in a row in the league.

This time, the Toulon technician confided, in the Hameau bays, that his team is in tough territory. “It’s a combat sport where you have to dominate your opponent, especially in this weather. It is an observation of helplessness, it must be recognized, confides Mignoni. As soon as we entered the scoring zone we were punished and ineffective. We did not manage to dominate them physically, to mark them and cross this line. The guys are down. It’s complicated, we’re going through a difficult time.” The arrival of Perpignan, this Saturday (5 p.m.), in Mayol must serve as a trigger if the RCT wants to find color.

Dynamics: 7th, 2 wins in 11 matches including tax

Ronan O’Gara never minces his words. Especially when he's angry. Demanding and a perfectionist to the extreme, the technician had little appreciation of the performance of his team, beaten and dried up in Lyon (28-17), during the 15th day. And to deliver a brutal: “This week, the players were more focused on real estate prices on the Ile de Ré than on the training ground. It depends on what you want in life: whether you want to be rich in apartments or houses, or rich with medals.” An outburst which did not have the desired effect since Stade Rochelais, swept away last weekend in Perpignan (27-15), conceded a third setback in its last four outings in the Top 14.

Also readChampions Cup: “When we play our game, we are almost unstoppable,” warns O’Gara

In this post-World Cup season, the reigning double European champions are struggling to find consistency. Like their Champions Cup campaign where they fell twice at the start before getting back on track, but now being condemned to the feat in the round of 16: becoming the first team to win in Africa of the South in the competition, in this case with the Cape Stormers. Until then, the Maritimes will have to redress the situation. “You have to keep a low profile, not give up and continue to work, stay cool in your head,” says assistant coach Rémy Tales. It's a complicated pass. We must show humility and solidarity. We are faced with the reality of a post-World Cup championship which is tough.”

Dynamics: 9th, 1 victory in 4 Top 14 matches