Aviron Bayonnais vs Stade Toulousain Prediction: A close contest is expected

In week nine of the France Top 14, Aviron Bayonnais will play Stade Toulousain at Parc des Sports Jean Dauger. Last weekend, the two teams secured a win over their opponents. Which side keeps things running?

Aviron Bayonnais are coming off a win performance against Lyon and will look to replicate that performance here. In that game, Aviron Bayonnais had a 20-point lead in the first half before losing 31-22 in the second half. In the meantime, Aviron Bayonnais have three consecutive wins heading into this week-nine fixture, having defeated Stade Rochelais and Racing Metro 92 in prior encounters. This season, Aviron Bayonnais have 22 points from their first eight matches, leaving them seated third in the standings. 

Stade Toulousain were brilliant against RC Toulonnais, a game that ended 57-5. In that game, Stade Toulousain opened the first half with a 57-5 win before a dominant 42-0 victory in the second half. In the meantime, Stade Toulousain have won three consecutive matches, the first two against Clermont and Section Paloise. This season, Stade Toulousain have won six of their first eight games, the lone defeats being against Bordeaux Begles and Castres Olympique. Seated top of the standings, Stade Toulousain have 29 points, one point ahead of second-placed Bordeaux Begles. 

Despite being on the road and underdogs in this game, I will lean on Stade Toulousain. While Aviron Bayonnais have been flying high this season with solid performances, I do not see Stade Toulousain as an easy side to deal with, considering how good they have been. Take the visiting team to win, an encounter where the two teams should rely on their offensive line.