Following a break for the European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup the Top 14 resumes this weekend. In week 8 of the French domestic league there will be notable match-ups and involvement from Americas’ players. The following preview details their involvement.
Clermont host Castres in the opening fixture of the round. A full-house awaits the 2018 French champions who bring with them Uruguay’s Rodrigo Capó Ortega and Canada’s Taylor Paris. Both players will start for Castres. Patricio Fernández will play from the bench for the home side. All three may well play at RWC 2019.
In the French capital Racing 92 are to be at home against Pau. Involved will be Juan Imhoff, the RWC 2011 and 2015 Puma will start in his regular position of left wing.
A vital clash with an eye to the relegation equation will unfold in Agen. The south-west side play host to Grenoble, a team up from the Pro D2 this past season. Named as the replacement hooker for Agen is Facundo Bosch. He made his test debut for Argentina against South Africa in this year’s Rugby Championship.
Also involved in the Rugby Championship was Ramiro Herrera. He will play from the bench for Stade Français Paris who are at home against Montpellier. The no 8 position will be occupied by Sergio Parisse, Italy’s most capped player. He moved to Italy from Argentina aged 17.
Week 8 will conclude on Sunday with two fixtures. Bordeaux and Toulon are to have home advantage against Lyon and La Rochelle respectively. The teams for both matches will be confirmed on Saturday afternoon.