Aviron Bayonne vs Stade Rochelais Prediction & Betting Tips - Top 14

Prediction published on 21/03/2024, 16:05  by Nella Wagah | Modified on 23/03/2024 at 08:05 in Rugby Predictions

Aviron Bayonnais welcome Stade Rochelais to the Parc des Sports Jean Dauger in a Top 14 clash slated for Saturday. The hosts sit ninth in the standings having amassed 39 points while the visitors are six places and as many points ahead. Bayonnais are chasing a quarter-final playoff berth and this comes as a key game in that line. However, Grégory Patat’s men arrive here on a spate of inconsistent results. They have failed to win back-to-back games since the start of February. The said run includes three losses and two wins with a pattern of a loss after a win. Their patchy run of form saw them lose 42-40 last time out to Section Paloise. That result threw a spanner in the works as far as their playoff charge in concerned. The loss left Bayonnais four points off the play-off places with eight regular season games to go.

Rochelais, like their hosts, have high ambitions; they are angling for a last-four playoff ticket, and similarly, this is a key game. Having never landed the Top 14 title in their 126 years of existence Stade Rochelais have enough reasons for optimism this season. Les Maritimes are just 10 points from a semi-final playoff slot and have momentum on their side. The visitors are currently on a two-game winning streak which has lifted them up, to third place. Their most recent victory was a morale boosting one as they thumped table toppers Stade Francais Paris 23-3. Having limited the 14-time Top 14 champions to no try, extended their impressive defensive record. Ronan O'Gara’s men have the second-best defense, which has soaked in 313 points only bettered by Stade Francais.