Top 14 round 7: preview and predictions

Welsh star Mike Phillips has been suspended until further notice by Bayonne for repeatedly breaking team rules and going on night outs.
The 30-year-old scrum-half was already out of the Basque derby against Biarritz following a surgery to one of his fingers on Thursday but he looks like he not play again for a while following his ban.
President Alain Affelou said: “I’m furious – outraged. This is not the first time and we are sick of it. It’s shameful.”
Biarritz’s Welsh duo Aled Brew and Ben Broster will start on the left wing and tight-head alongside Englishman Iain Balshaw who will operate from full-back. Magnus Lund is on the bench.
Top-of-the table Toulon travel to Toulouse unbeaten but they have rested no less than 18 players for the remake of last year’s final and named an under-strength team.
Gethin Jenkins and Simon Shaw will start though with Steffon Armitage sitting on the bench.
Lee Byrne returns at full-back for Clermont for the reception of Stade Francais while England centre Shontayne Hape start at inside centre as Montpellier will try to follow up their win at Bordeau-Begles last week against Castres tomorrow.
He will face Marcel Garvey who will line up on the wing for the Tarn club.
Finally, James Hook, Alasdair Strokosck, and Richard Haughton will start at fly-half, blindside and full-back for Perpignan as they host winless Mont-de-Marsan back at Aime Giral. Luke Narraway and Luke Charteris are named among the replacements.
PREDICTIONS
Agen v Bordeaux-Begles: After a struggling start Agen are doing better with two wins on the bounce against direct rivals for relegation. Another week, another relegation rival, another win for my home town.
Biarritz v Bayonne: I’ve tipped against my team for the last two weeks but we’re talking Basque derby here. Biarritz played well despite their last two defeats but Bayonne are in a dark place right now. Biarritz will win.
Clermont v Stade Francais: It’s now common knowledge that a trip to Clermont rarely result in a positive success. It would be a great performance if the Parisians come anywhere close from a losing bonus-point.
Grenoble v Racing-Metro: The newcomers have started well but Racing are in good shape and improving week after week so I think they’ll win this one.
Montpellier v Castres: Montpellier proved they could win away from last win week. It’s time to show they can also beat the big guns at home. I think they will.
Perpignan v Mont-de-Marsan: It’s been touch and go for Perpignan over the past couple of weeks but they shouldn’t struggle too much against Mont-de-Marsan.
Toulouse v Toulon: Mourad Boujellal said Toulon will go for the win but with 18 players rested I’m not sure he realised you need your best team to beat Toulouse. First loss of the season in perspective for Jonny’s boys (who is rested!)