Top 14 – Round 7 Preview

Round 7 of the Top 14 will be played this weekend. France’s premier division will see five matches played on Saturday and two on Sunday. Taking to the field will be a number of players from the Americas.

First up will be Stade Français at home to Montpellier in Paris. The club is into its final month of playing before the arrival of Ramiro Herrera. He joins from Los Jaguares in November.

In game two Bordeaux host Toulon. The visiting side have named a reserve side. As such there are no spots for regulars Samu Manoa, Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe and Facundo Isa this weekend. Isa will be pleased that Argentina has changed its policy and will select from Europe for the Rugby World Cup.

Pau have started strongly. This weekend the club has a realistic shot at a win on the road against Oyonnax. Starting for Pau will be former English flanker Steffon Armitage. He was born in Trinidad & Tobago. Axel Muller will have an opportunity to receive game time from the bench for Oyonnax.

Bottom of the table Brive simply must win. The club’s abysmal start to the season sees Oyonnax and Agen both under far less pressure than they ought to be. Running out on the right wing for Brive this weekend will be Taku Ngwenya. The on-form former Puma Benjamín Urdapilleta starts for the visitors from Castres.

Saturday’s final fixture sees Agen hosting Lyon. Starting in the front-row will be Puma Facundo Bosch and the USA eligible Dave Ryan. Former Puma Francisco Gomez Kodela starts for Lyon. He has arguably been the best Argentine Tight Head in the world since Rugby World Cup 2015.

Round 7 will conclude on Sunday with La Rochelle and Toulouse hosting Racing 92 and Clermont respectively. Line-ups for these matches will be named on Saturday afternoon. Players from the Americas are expected to feature in both games.