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It is the business end of the season in France. Confirmed as dropping from the Top 14 to the Pro D2 are Bayonne and Grenoble. Their places will be taken from two teams currently playing in the French second division. Heading into week 28 there are a range of possibilities. After this weekend only two further rounds remain.
Opening week 28 was Colomiers vs Biarritz. Both sides are looking at a return to France’s elite and are well and truly in the hunt. In winning 37-13, Colomiers improve their chances of playing in the Semi Finals. Agustín Costa Repetto was the starting hooker while Leandro Mario Assi was a Biarritz replacement.
Play resumes today with six Pro D2 matches. The fixture is another between two former Top 14 sides. Involved for the home side it to be Damian Arias. The 27-year-old Argentine prop is uncapped.
On target for a return to the Top 14 is Agen. Relegated to the Pro D2 last season, the south-western French side has been among the top performers this season. The club will play host to Vannes, a side enjoying a fine performance in their first season of the Pro D2. Starting for the hosts will be Canadian Taylor Paris. Also involved is the USA eligible Dave Ryan. Eric Fry will play from the bench for Vannes. Starting are to be Canadian Conor Trainor and Argentinians Bautista Guemes and Javier Lagioiosa at center, fly half and lock respectively.
Former Top 14 giants, Perpignan host Charente in a 7th vs 11th fixture. A win for the home side will significantly boost the club’s chances of returning to the top flight. Starting on the wing for Charente will be Facundo Panceyra Garrido. Also involved is to be Sebastian Poet as a replacement fly half.
Week 28 will conclude on Sunday. The one fixture will see Mont de Marsan at home to Aurillac. Additional action is expected from players from the Americas. Lineups for the fixture will be announced on Saturday.
