Castres Olympique vs USA Perpignan Prediction & Betting Tips - Top 14

Prediction published on 29/12/2023, 08:00  by Nella Wagah | Modified on 31/12/2023 at 00:00 in Rugby Predictions

The last Top 14 clash of the year will see Castres Olympique host strugglers Perpignan on Sunday. Castres currently occupy the sixth and final playoff slot while Perpignan are second from bottom and in danger of relegation. The hosts are still trying to wrap their heads around the 30-21 shock defeat to bottom of the log Montpellier. The defeat was preceded by a Challenge Cup loss to Edinburgh, showcasing their poor away form. Back in their own backyard, Castres will be looking to extend their impeccable 10-game winning streak. In the Top 14, Castres have only tasted defeat once at the Stade Pierre-Fabre this year. Pierre Popelin has been instrumental to Castres this season, ranking second among top points scorers. His 22 penalties, 21 conversions and a single try have registered 113 points. This is exactly half of the points Castres have scored this season, underscoring his importance.

Perpignan arrested their slump with a much-needed 36-10 bonus-point victory over Aviron Bayonnais. The win was enough to lift them out of the basement to 13th where they have finished in the past two seasons. Prior to the win, Perpignan had gone on a four-game losing streak, three of which were away from home. The barren run included back-to-back defeats in the Challenge Cup to Benetton and Lions. Perpignan will need to shore up their defense ahead of the clash as they have conceded the most points in the division (337). The visitors will also need Lucas Velarte at his best having landed four tries this season. This is the joint-third most tries scored in the Top 14 this season.