La Rochelle is set to face Racing 92 this Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre, marking the 17th round of the Top 14 championship. The match has taken on added significance for both sides as they grapple with abysmal form and search for momentum.
The Stade Rochelais, after suffering through four consecutive defeats, desperately needs victory to regain its status among the league's elite. Last week, they faced a heavy defeat against LOU, losing 53-17, which dropped them out of the top six for the first time this season. Currently, La Rochelle lies 7th place with 36 points, showing only 8 wins against 8 losses this year. "We must react, there’s no other option," said head coach Ronan O’Gara, who is under pressure to turn things around.
On the other hand, Racing 92 finds itself in dire straits, settling at 13th position on the league table with 28 points and seated perilously close to the relegation zone. They have not tasted victory since November, suffering six defeats and one draw, including last week's unexpected home loss to struggling RC Vannes, who currently sit last. Notably, Antoine Gibert, one of Racing 92's young players, expressed some concern about their poor form but has confidence they can avoid relegation. "Maybe I’m fooling myself, but I don’t believe we’ll drop to Pro D2 yet," he said. "We are playing for our survival, and we’ll do everything we can to save our club."
Both teams will have to deal with missing key players: La Rochelle will be without several international selections who are currently with France for the Six Nations. These absences include Gregory Alldritt, Paul Boudehent, Uini Atonio, and Oscar Jégou. Nevertheless, there’s some good news for La Rochelle, with the return of hooker Pierre Bourgarit, who had been sidelined since September due to injury. His presence could provide the edge La Rochelle needs to capitalize on Racing’s vulnerabilities.
The upcoming match has drawn attention, particularly from bookmakers, who have labeled La Rochelle as favorites. Even so, with Racing determined to stabilize their season, this contest promises to be tight. The last encounter between the two sides saw La Rochelle clinch victory away from home with a narrow 17-16 win.
Fans can tune in to the match on Canal+ Live 2, with kick-off scheduled for 16:30. The home crowd at Stade Marcel-Deflandre will be hoping for their team to deliver a performance worthy of their previous championship status.
Both teams will feature distinct lineups: La Rochelle is expected to field Dulin, Nowell, and Hastoy among others, alongside newcomers Bourgarit and Skelton who are set to make impactful returns. Racing 92 counters with James, Chavancy, and Tedder, hoping to find the spark needed to ignite their campaign.
Pressure mounts on both coaching staffs as they aim to push their teams away from the troubled waters of the lower table. Their respective fans will surely be on the edge of their seats as the fate of the game hangs on the tactical decisions made on the pitch.
With each team feeling the weight of their recent performances, the stakes are higher than ever. The outcome of this match could very well dictate the remainder of their season.