Top 14 three crucial fixtures for playoff race

Jonny BlackJonny Black· Updated
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With five games left to go in the Top 14, there is still everything to play for in terms of the playoffs.

In the top 14, the top two sides automatically make it through to the semi-finals with a home draw, while 3rd-6th go to a playoff to decide who will play them. 

Stade Francais vs Pau (4th vs 2nd in the Top 14)

With the race for the top two hotting up, this will be a crucial game when it comes to deciding the playoffs. There are five points between the two sides, with the home team currently behind. Stade Francais suffered a heavy defeat last week, while Pau picked up a massive win in the previous round. Stade Francais still have three of the bottom four sides in the league left to play. 

Bordeaux Begles vs Montpellier (5th vs 3rd)

This is a huge game for these sides, who look to push for the playoffs. Both teams are also preparing for a home European semi-final in the coming weeks. Bordeaux will welcome Bath in the Champions Cup, while Montpellier will welcome the Dragons in the Challenge Cup. 

With only two points between the teams, whoever wins will lead in the table. 

Both teams also sit within touching distance of Pau in second so a win will be crucial if they want to stay in contact with the top two. 

Bordeaux will have an interesting final two games in the season as they play Toulon and Clermont, while Montpellier play three of the bottom five in their last four matches. 

Toulouse vs Clermont (1st vs 6th)

Toulouse are relatively safe with a 12-point lead at the top of the table. Clermont currently sit sixth and wouldn’t be safe in their playoff position if they were to lose to the league leaders. 

Clermont have a very tricky final three games of the season as they travel to Pau and Bordeaux and welcome Racing 92. 

Jonny is a former rugby player in Ireland's club system and is an Ulster and Ireland fan. He has spent a number of years writing about football and this was what brought him to the Dave Sport Group. As an expert in Irish Rugby, his expertise also stretches to Super Rugby having lived in New Zealand previously.

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