Montpellier, Toulon, Castres and Lyon will battle it out this weekend for a place in the Top 14 final on June 2.
With the regular season finished, we grade the performances of all 14 teams in the competition this season.
AGEN
The freshly promoted side took to the season with 17 new players and an expansive but risky game plan against the league’s heavyweights. And for all the disappointment of their 16 defeats, they still managed to win 10 games and stay in the top flight. With a shoe string budget, they are built for another scrap at the bottom next campaign alongside new boys Perpignan and Grenoble.
GRADE: C-
BORDEAUX
2017/18 record: Won 10, Draw 1, Lost 15
Another mediocre season for Les Girondins. Rory Teague’s side look a long way off securing a first ever play-off spot after finishing 10th – 21 points off sixth place. Wins over Toulon, Montpellier and Lyon would have given them confidence for parts of the season, but in essence, they are incapable of stringing together three or four consistent performances.
GRADE: D
BRIVE
2017/18 record: Won 7, Draw 1, Lost 18
After finishing eighth last term, the black and whites were set for a promising campaign with the acquisition of four new front row players. But 18 defeats and the second worst defensive record in the league has seen the men from south-west France slip back down to PRO D2 for the first time since 2013. If they are to ever improve, they need to stop over-relying on the boot of Gaetan Germain.
GRADE: F
CASTRES
2017/18 record: Won 15, Lost 11
Christophe Urios’s side are starting to rebuild a head of steam since their shock Top 14 title win in 2013. A semi-final against Toulon awaits on Saturday, but overall, the men from Midi Pyrenees have looked superb this term with some notable wins over Toulouse (2) and Toulon. They look a settled group, capable of dominating up front but will need to be at their immaculate best if they are qualify for a first final in four years.
GRADE: B+
CLERMONT
2017/18 record: Won 11, Draw 1, Lost 14
A disastrous season for the defending champions, finishing ninth. For a side who should be competing for domestic and European honours on a yearly basis, les Jaunards were devoid of the same class and energy we are normally accustomed to seeing in previous seasons. The loss of Aurelien Rougerie after 19 years in the Massif Central will be a major blow for 2018-19.
GRADE: D
LA ROCHELLE
2017/18 record: Won 14, Draw 1, Lost 11
Finished two points outside the top six after reaching the semi-finals in 2016-17. Early season defeats to Stade Francais, Pau and Bordeaux will have hurt them, but with the third best defensive record in the league, it is their attack that needs to fire if they are to scale the heights of the previous season. Need to be more mentally strong when in losing positions.
GRADE: C
LYON
2017/18 record: Won 15, Lost 11
An outstanding season for Les Loups, finishing fifth in the regular season and booking their place in a first ever semi-final this weekend. After finishing eighth last term, the club have shown they have no shortage of ambition mixing with the league’s best. Hold the fourth best attacking and third best defending record in the competition. Remarkable season.
GRADE: A
MONTPELLIER
2017/18 record: Won 17, Lost 9
Les Cistes owner Mohad Altrad remains motivated as ever to secure a first Top 14 title and this could well be their year. The men from the south have scored more tries than any other team and look a menace any time they take to the field. A last four clash with Lyon awaits before a potential first final since 2011. With Ruan Pienaar and Jan Serfontein at the fore, Montpellier are hands down the best team in the competition.
GRADE: A
OYONNAX
2017/18 record: Won 7, Draw 3, Lost 16
The black and reds struggled for most of the season, culminating in relegation in their first season back in the top flight. With the worst defensive record in the league, it’s no surprise to see the side from the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region unable to compete with the majority of teams in the competition. Did look better in the second half of the season with wins over Clermont, Toulon and Lyon, but simply don’t have the talent and confidence to battle any higher than a relegation scrap.
GRADE: F
PAU
2017/18 record: Won 15, Lost 11
An improved showing from Simon Mannix’s men. Finished in a similar position to last season but with three more wins and a more formidable attacking and defensive record. With the addition of new players, Pau need to target a sixth place next campaign to show any form of serious improvement.
GRADE: C
RACING
2017/18 record: Won 18, Lost 8
Have the advantage of their successful run to the European final, but there is no guarantee the men from the capital will sparkle when they face Castres for a place in the final this weekend. Eighteen wins this term is a promising return for a side without their international stars for large spells of the season. With a far superior attacking and defensive record to their 2016-17 campaign, owner Jacky Lorenzetti will be hoping some silverware can back-up another productive season.
GRADE: B+
STADE FRANCAIS
2017/18 record: Won 9, Lost 17
A horror year for the Parisiens who finished just outside the relegation zone after sealing seventh last season. With just nine wins, Greg Cooper has plenty of work to do in the off season if he is to inspire this group of players to compete for a playoff place. It’s hard to believe their fall from grace since winning the Top 14 title in 2015.
GRADE: D
TOULON
2017/18 record: Won 14, Lost 12
While inconsistency has plagued their campaign, they have rediscovered their form in the later stages of the season and are on the brink of their sixth final in seven years. Won the same number of games as last season and have scored 23 more tries, largely thanks to new signing Chris Ashton who crossed the line 24 times – a new Top 14 record. With experience on their side, it will be difficult to see Fabien Galthie’s team lose if they advance to the final.
GRADE: B+
TOULOUSE
2017/18 record: Won 16, Draw 1, Lost 9
A quarter-final defeat to Castres may be a disappointing way to finish the season, but overall, Le Stade played an attractive brand of rugby across the year and deservedly finished in third place in the regular season table. Any result higher than 10th would have brought confidence back to Stade Ernest-Wallon after a dismal 2016-17 campaign, with Ugo Mola’s side going through a transitional period. Need to continue the building process after key retirements.
GRADE: B
