French Top 10: Surprise results continue

Action from Bobigny's victory over Montpellier

There is very little room for error and, after going down 32-3 away to Rennes - a second defeat in three games - Lons could find themselves bottom of Pool 2 after this weekend, as the drastically shortened competition nears its halfway stage.

They would be bottom now if rivals Blagnac St Orens had taken any of the chances that came their way when they played host to Lille. Even Lille coach Damien Couvreur. admitted that "It's more that Saint-Orens lost ... that we won. We are lucky to get out with a win."

Blagnac St Orens - "BSORF" - had dominated the game against Lons last week, by lost by a single point last week, mainly due to their being unable to convert the penalty opportunities that came their way. And this week it was no different. Lille's defence ensured the home team could not cross the try-line, but could not avoid giving away penalties... none of which BSORF could convert. However, after 60 minutes Alexandra Pertus had a penalty chance for Lille - and she did not miss. And that was the result - 3-0 to Lille.

This weekend Lons have no game, while BSORF travel to newly-promoted La Valette. If BSORF take their chances Lons will go bottom.

In Pool 1 there is less danger as Bordeaux seem clearly well behind the rest of the group, but shock results still abound. Last weekend champions Montpellier, who began with a 65-0 win last week, came down to earth  in Paris when their hosts, Bobigny - who were eighth last season - won 37-19, to go equal top of the division.Alongside them are Caen, despite their losing their first game of the season, 23-9 away to Perpignan.

However, what is clear this season - across both pools - is that home advantage has become a huge factor this season, with 75% games being won by the home team, so far. Last season home teams won barely 60% of games.

Positions:

Pool 1:1, Bobigny 9 points; 2, Caen 9; 3, Montpellier 5; 4, Perpignan 4; 5, Bordeaux 0

Pool 2:1, Rennes 9 points; 2, Lille 9; 3, La Valette 4; 4, Lons 4; 5, Blagnac St Orens 2