Stade Toulousain vs RC Toulonnais Prediction: Late match with late dramas expected

Top 14 action in France is set to unfold at Stadium de Toulouse, featuring a match between Stade Toulousain and RC Toulonnais. Let's delve into the previews and formulate a prediction.

Stade Toulousain recently celebrated consecutive victories in their European Rugby Champions Cup clashes against Cardiff Rugby and Harlequins. However, heading into this matchup, they are the favored team and are aiming to secure yet another win. Nevertheless, in the matches preceding these victories, Stade Toulousain only managed to win two out of five, triumphing over USA Perpignan and Clermont. Despite these successes, they faced defeats against Section Paloise, Castres Olympique, and Stade Francais Paris. In the ongoing France Top 14 season, Stade Toulousain has garnered 23 points from nine matches, placing them in the 7th position in the standings.

RC Toulonnais' recent streak came to an end with successive defeats against Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints in the European Rugby Champions Cup. As they prepare for the upcoming match, the visitors are eager to enhance their league standing, currently occupying the 3rd position with 28 points, just one point behind the league leaders, Racing 92. Notably, their consecutive triumphs were secured against Racing 92, Clermont, Castres Olympique, and Section Paloise, concluding with scores of 31-26, 27-30, 41-19, and 36-13, respectively. Looking back, their last league loss occurred in early November against USA Perpignan.

Observing their league performances, RC Toulonnais is demonstrating strong form, notwithstanding their defeat in the European Rugby Champions Cup two weeks ago. Meanwhile, Stade Toulousain is clearly the favored team here, and I'm not suggesting they won't emerge victorious. However, considering the recent performances of both teams, I am confident that RC Toulonnais has the potential to cover the spread. Additionally, with an anticipation of an abundance of offensive and attractive play, this matchup is likely to result in a high-scoring affair.