Clermont 38 – Bayonne 15

Clermont needed air, and they found the oxygen and the style to go with it. Against a weakened Bayonne who were quickly overrun, ASM rediscovered that blend of power and abandon that is their trademark. The Auvergne side moved forward as one, stringing together long sequences and picking the right options, guided by a sparkling Harry Plummer. Bayonne held out for a while, then cracked, slowly. At the Michelin, Clermont reminded everyone that this is still a place where visitors rarely come away with anything but regrets. Urios’ men have found an attractive face again and secure their place in the top 6, while Bayonne are feeling the effects of their internal changes.

Lyon 13 – Toulon 13

This was a match for tightrope walkers, a game in which neither side really took any risks. Lyon and Toulon watched each other, tested each other, challenged each other without ever tipping the balance. A few flashes, plenty of tension, and in the end an almost logical draw. Toulon leave frustrated at not having killed the game off, Lyon relieved not to have lost it, even though LOU had the win at the end of a boot. Enough to make Pierre Mignoni want to see his old side back on the Rade?

Montpellier 41 – Racing 92 17

Montpellier are continuing their transformation and their show of strength. Against a Racing side overwhelmed by the Hérault men’s speed and precision, MHR served up sharp, accurate, almost authoritative rugby. Every Paris error was punished, every space exploited without mercy. Racing tried to respond, without ever finding the answer. Montpellier, meanwhile, moved forward with the serenity of teams that know exactly where they are going. Towards the play-offs, in all likelihood…

Stade Français 42 – Perpignan 21

At Jean-Bouin, Paris got their colour and their bite back, thanks not least to a Tani Vili in vintage form. Against a Perpignan side who kept scrapping but were sometimes naive, Stade Français alternated power and inspiration, building their win patiently. USAP fought, as they always do, but lacked the consistency to hope for more. Paris win, and above all breathe. In this championship, that is already plenty. The pink soldiers will have to be reckoned with in the race for qualification.

Toulouse 68 – Montauban 13

There are days when everything comes off, and Toulouse gave a dazzling demonstration of it, as was ultimately expected. The Rouge et Noir turned every opportunity into a try, every burst of pace into danger. Stade Toulousain did not just win (again), they reminded everyone that they remain the benchmark, the one everybody chases without always catching. The same old tune plays on, but Ugo Mola’s men will be hard to hunt down. Even if, on paper, everything is still possible, Montauban have one foot in Pro D2.

Castres 31 – La Rochelle 26

Castres and La Rochelle served up a duel of characters. After three defeats, La Rochelle came to Pierre-Fabre with visible determination, and turned it into a precious win, dedicated to Uini Atonio, still convalescing. Castres, abrasive and willing, their recipe as ever, were never really in a position to turn the match around. La Rochelle knew how to make the most of their good spells, seize their chances and swing the contest at the end of the first half and after the break. A tight scoreline all the same, a tense atmosphere: this is the kind of win you savour afterwards. Enough to relaunch La Rochelle’s chase for the top 6?

Pau 39 – Bordeaux-Bègles 17

Pau struck hard, very hard, on Sunday evening to close out round 18. Against an ambitious but ultimately outclassed UBB, Section produced a performance full of authority, despite the absentees. More aggressive, more precise, more consistent and more clinical too, Pau controlled the match from start to finish. Bordeaux tried to react, without ever turning the momentum around. Pau confirm that they are definitely no longer outsiders. They have become a (very) credible contender.