Whilst the focus of the rugby world has shifted across from the club game to Test action, there was one final outing for the Top 14 sides before their break.
The battle is hotting up at both ends of the table, and Round Nine’s results have only added to that drama heading into the Test break.
Here is a full round-up of all the action from the Top 14.
Bayonne continue climb with stunning win over Toulouse
The surprise package of the campaign so far has been Bayonne, and they yet again sprung a shock win as they downed Toulouse 12-8 on Sunday.
A brace from Fijian international Sireli Maqala inspired Bayonne to victory over the defending champions – who were without their French contingent this weekend – and that now skyrockets them into fourth place, just four points behind the table-toppers heading into the break. Manu Tuilagi was once again heavily involved too, playing the full 80 for his new employers.
Elsewhere at the summit, La Rochelle compounded Toulouse’s woes with a solid 35-18 win over struggling Stade Francais. Wallabies star Will Skelton, who has now joined up with Joe Schmidt’s squad ahead of their clash with England this weekend, grabbed a try in the win, as did former France international Teddy Thomas.
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Ronan O’Gara’s side now sit third in the table heading into the break, three points off the top.
Joey Carbery shines despite Bordeaux loss
Title-chasing Bordeaux also felt the effects of missing their French internationals, as they fell to a 32-27 defeat to Clermont Auvergne. Five tries from five different scorers were enough to steer the hosts to victory at the Marcel Michelin.
Despite the defeat, former Ireland ace Joey Carbery was on top form as he knocked over three conversions and two penalties.
Rounding off the battle in the top half, Toulon notched an impressive 21-10 win over Lyon; with in-form Fijian Jiuta Wainiqolo scoring another superb try along the way.
🔥 Jiuta Wainiqolo is just scoring worldies this season then… #Top14pic.twitter.com/TxcNNm2bBv
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) November 3, 2024
Relegation scrap
Whilst there were some big results at the top of the table, the dogfight at the bottom is also starting to take shape.
Perpignan compounded Vannes’ tough start to life in the league, as they recorded a 32-13 win over the Brettons. Montpellier looked to be getting themselves away from the scrap in the basement, but they have been dragged right back into it now following their 30-26 defeat to Castres this weekend. The victory for the 2018 champions also pushes them to within three points of the top four.
Rounding off the action, Racing 92 grabbed another win, as they beat Pau 33-23. It wasn’t all rosy for the Parisians though, as Owen Farrell was withdrawn early in the first-half.
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