The game on Friday is perhaps more interesting, given the cut-throat nature of relegation. Toulouse and Stade Français can both afford to lose Saturday's match in Paris - they can still win the Championnat via the semi-finals and finals even if they finish fourth in June.

Montpellier and Bayonne are the teams in thirteenth and fourteenth, where relegation is a fait accompli - no play-offs to spare them from their fate.

Both could climb out of the bottom two if they win and results go their way, and with twelfth-placed Brive travelling to face champions Biarritz -the Basques in need of a win themselves to get into the top four - both Montpellier and Bayonne will fight their clash to the death.

Agen, who have had their carrot of European qualification for a sixth-place finish removed for now by the French clubs' boycott of next year's Heineken Cup, host second-placed Clermont, for whom a healthy win and a slip by Stade Français could propel them to the top spot.

New boys Montauban and Albi go head to head at the Stade Sapiac, with both seeking the win that will stave away any immediate relegation concerns, and Castres host Narbonne with both teams in the same boat as Montauban and Albi.

Perpignan need a home win over Bourgoin to keep themselves in the top four, but should get it easily enough, as Bourgoin continue flattering to deceive.

Top 14 - Round 19
(all times are GMT +1)

Friday January 26
Montpellier v Bayonne, 20:30

Saturday, January 27
Agen v Clermont, 18:30
Biarritz v Brive, 18:30
Montauban v Albi, 18:30
Castres v Narbonne, 18:30
Perpignan v Bourgoin, 19:00
Stade Français v Toulouse, 21:00

STANDINGS
1- Stade Français: 61 points
2- Clermont: 58 points
3- Toulouse: 52 points
4- Perpignan: 50 points
5- Biarritz: 48 points
6- Bourgoin: 44 points
7- Montauban: 41 points
8- Agen: 37 points
9- Albi: 36 points
10- Castres: 34 points
11- Narbonne: 34 points
12- Brive: 32 points
13- Bayonne: 31 points
14- Montpellier: 28 points