Union Bordeaux Begles vs Stade Rochelais Prediction & Betting Tips - Top 14

Prediction published on 09/05/2024, 15:05  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 11/05/2024 at 07:05 in Rugby Predictions

Third-placed Bordeaux Begles host Stade Rochelais who are fifth in Top 14. Both clubs are in the play-off positions but unless securing a top-two finish, will have to enter at the quarter-final stage. Bordeaux are currently seven point behind second-placed Stade Toulousain and nine adrift of leaders Stade Francais Paris. With the top two facing each other this weekend, there's a chance for the chasing pack to close the gap. Bordeaux have won 13 and lost nine of their 22 matches in Top 14 this season. The last two league games have both been won with 75 points being scored. Home form is strong with nine out of 11 league fixtures being won, including the last three all ending in victory. 

Like their opponents, Stade Rochelais were recently beaten in the European Rugby Champions Cup quarter-finals. That was disappointing for Stade Rochelais after winning that competition for the past two seasons. They are fifth in the table and two points behind their opponents. A worry for them is that they are only three points clear of seventh place with only the top six going into the play-offs. Their last four league games have produced two wins but also a couple of defeats both by a single point. Both those losses were on the road and in Top 14 this season, they have an appalling record. Ten of their 11 away games have ended in defeat. They travel to Bordeaux hoping to avoid losing a sixth straight away league match. We go for Bordeaux to get a vital home win.