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Week 26 of the Pro d2 begins today. Despite it being so late in the season France’s second division is far from being over. Plenty scenarios remain for teams to press for promotion to the Top 14 and to avoid relegation to the Fédérale 1. The following preview details the involvement of players from the Americas.
Opening week 26 will be Aix en Provence at home against Nevers. Playing from the bench for the hosts will be Argentine prop Leandro Mario Assi. Canadian Conor Trainor will start at outside center for Nevers. He is well placed to feature at RWC 2019 in September and October in Japan.
On Friday a mid-table battle sees Charente facing Béziers. Starting for the hosts will be Joel Antonio Sclavi. The Argentine front-rower will be the run-on tight head prop. Meanwhile over in Bourg de Bresse another Argentine prop will feature with Victor Damian Arias named as a replacement against Aurillac.
Up in Vannes Javier Lagioiosa will start for the home side against Bayonne. A home win for his team will significantly boost the chances of Vannes competing for promotion to the Top 14. Bayonne are in second spot and are just four points behind leaders Oyonnax.
Colomiers are in grave danger of being relegated. A home win over Carcassonne is desperately required on Friday. Looking to achieve this will be flanker Martín Chiappessoni, hooker Agustín Costa Repetto, and fly half Sebastián Poet. All three Argentine players will start against Carcassonne. Involved for the visitors will be Argentine second-rower Demian Panizzo.
The final match of the round will see Brive at home against Mont de Marsan on Sunday. Line-ups for this match will be announced on Saturday afternoon.
