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While Top 14 clubs return to European action this weekend, it’s business as usual for the French Pro D2 as they enter week 12 of the competition. Lyon and Bayonne currently reside in 1st and 2nd place, respectively, while Tarbes sits at the bottom of the barrel after being docked 15 league points for poor financial management and allegedly forging documents, though that is subject to appeal. Newly promoted Aix-en-Provence are next up and looking odds-on to head straight back down to Fédérale 1.
Starting for Bayonne this week is top Chilean export Pablo Huete, who lines up in the no4 jersey against Montauban, while Martín Bustos Moyano returns from injury on the right wing. In-form Argentine attacker Juan Mangione is at outside centre for Montauban.
Talented footballer Javier Rojas, an international in both 7s and XVs, starts at inside centre for Albi against Béziers, while countryman Nahuel Lobo is recalled at loosehead prop for Carcassonne against Biarritz. Star Uruguayan flyhalf Felipe Berchesi has been left on the bench. US Eagles flyer Takudzwa Ngwenya continues to lock down the no14 shirt for Biarritz.
Lowly Aix-en-Provence have both of their Argentine imports in the lineup this week. Tomás Vallejos starts in the second row against Bourgoin, while new signing Lucas Martín Caneda continues on the right wing after impressing in his first two outings with the club.
Carlos Muzzio will play loosehead prop for Stade Montois against sanctioned Tarbes, who themselves have four Argentineans in their match-day roster. Agustín Costa Repetto is the only starter at hooker, with prop Jerónimo Negrotto covering from the bench and first choice halfback pair Nicolás Vergallo and Sebastián Poet also given a week of light duty among the reserves.
Dax have yet to name their starting lineup for Sunday’s match against Lyon, but have included three Pumas in their group of 25 to prepare. Second row Gerónimo Albertario, loose forward Martín Chiappesoni, and inside back Ignacio Mieres should all feature. Another Puma exile Agustín Figuerola is expected at scrumhalf for Lyon.
