Dax vs Biarritz Olympique on January 23
The France Pro D2 competition will witness an intriguing clash on January 23 between Dax and Biarritz Olympique, two teams with rich rugby legacies but contrasting ambitions this season. Set to unfold at Stade Maurice Boyau in Dax, this encounter is far from a mere formality. With both teams battling for crucial points in the tournament, the outcome will hold significant weight in determining their trajectories as the season edges closer to its climax. A battle of tactics, endurance, and individual brilliance awaits, and both sides have much to prove.
Dax: Tactical Approach and Current Form
As the host team, Dax enters this fixture in solid form, with three wins from their last five outings. Their recent performances highlight a well-balanced blend of direct rugby and tactical discipline. Dax’s game plan often revolves around a powerful forward pack that drives the set pieces, combined with a tactical kicking game to secure territory. Expect them to engage in physical battles up front, with a preference for carrying the ball through multiple phases to wear down the opposition.
The team’s set-piece efficiency stands out, particularly in scrums, where they’ve been dominant, winning over 90% of their own scrums in the last five matches. This solid foundation gives them an advantage in maintaining possession and building momentum. In the rucks, Dax is also formidable, with an average of 93% ruck success rate in their last outings, making it difficult for teams to steal possession.
Key to their tactical setup is fly-half Jérémy Bégue, who acts as the orchestrator of their attacking phases. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game, with pinpoint kicking for territory and effective decision-making in attack, has been central to Dax’s success. Meanwhile, the back-row trio, led by captain Mickaël Ivaldi, forms a key part of the breakdown and defensive strategy, with Ivaldi’s physicality and leadership invaluable both in attack and defense.
However, Dax is not without its vulnerabilities. Their backline, while capable, has at times been exposed to pacey and elusive wingers, a key area Biarritz will likely look to exploit. With no major injuries or suspensions to report, Dax will be looking to leverage home advantage in front of their passionate supporters.
Biarritz Olympique: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Biarritz Olympique arrives at this match as the more historically successful of the two sides, but their form in recent weeks has been mixed. Despite some inconsistency, their last five games show two wins, two losses, and one draw. The Basque team is known for its expansive style, relying on a high-paced, attacking game that emphasizes width and quick ball movement. Biarritz’s strength lies in their ability to shift the point of attack with speed, using their backs to create overloads in the wider channels.
Their set-piece play has been less reliable compared to Dax, but Biarritz compensates with excellent lineout jumping and a backline capable of breaking down opposition defenses. The team has been highly effective in their counter-attacking game, with full-back Jean Monribot and winger Benoît Baby often key to turning defensive situations into attacking opportunities.
On the individual front, Biarritz’s playmaker, fly-half Gaëtan Germain, is crucial to their structure. His tactical kicking, particularly in pinning the opposition in their own half, complements the speed of their backline. Germain’s partnership with scrum-half Baptiste Serin will be instrumental in linking the forwards with the backs. Additionally, the physicality of their forwards, including hard-hitting lock Thibault de Freitas, adds another layer to their game, ensuring they are a threat in the tight exchanges.
However, Biarritz faces challenges, particularly in the scrum, where they have struggled in recent weeks, losing 15% of their own scrums in the last five games. This area could prove pivotal against a strong Dax forward pack. Biarritz will also have to address their tendency to be drawn into a more forward-dominated game, as this can limit the effectiveness of their dynamic backs. With no significant injuries or suspensions, Biarritz will be looking to build momentum as they seek to move up the table.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The history of encounters between Dax and Biarritz adds another layer of intrigue to this contest. In the last five meetings, Biarritz has had the upper hand, winning four out of five, but the matches have often been tightly contested. The most recent clash in the 2025-2026 season ended in a narrow Biarritz victory, 23-20, showcasing the intense nature of their rivalry.
Psychologically, Biarritz will carry a degree of confidence, having dominated this fixture in recent years. However, Dax has proven to be resilient, especially at home, and the home crowd will undoubtedly be a factor in their approach. Dax will be motivated to reverse their fortunes against Biarritz and prove that their recent form is no fluke.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
There are several key battles that will shape the outcome of this encounter. The first and most critical is the battle in the scrum. Dax’s dominance in this area could potentially suffocate Biarritz’s attacking game and provide them with a strong platform from which to launch their own attacks. With Biarritz’s scrum underperforming recently, this is a key zone where Dax must capitalize.
Secondly, the battle between the backlines will be fascinating. Dax’s back three, led by the experienced full-back, will face off against Biarritz’s dynamic wingers. If Dax can neutralize the impact of Monribot and Baby, they will limit Biarritz’s ability to stretch the game and create scoring opportunities in open play. The defensive communication and work rate from Dax’s backs will be tested to the limit.
Finally, the breakdowns will be crucial. Both teams rely heavily on securing fast ball from the rucks to maintain their momentum. With both forward packs being aggressive and relentless at the breakdown, the team that dominates this contest will have the upper hand. Look for the team that can turn over ball or slow the opposition's ruck speed to gain a significant advantage.
Match Scenario and Prediction
This match will likely unfold as a tactical battle with contrasting styles. Dax will seek to dominate upfront, using their powerful forwards and set-piece to control the game. Biarritz, meanwhile, will aim to break the game open with their speed and expansive play, using their backs to create space and exploit any defensive lapses. The key for Biarritz will be to gain parity in the scrum and the breakdown, areas where Dax holds an edge.
Given Dax’s strong form at home and Biarritz’s recent struggles in the scrums, Dax’s forward dominance could tip the scales in their favor. Expect a low-scoring but intense affair, with Dax’s disciplined approach likely to edge out Biarritz’s more open, risky style.
Prediction: Dax to win by 5-8 points. The final score might be around 20-15, with key moments decided by set-piece execution and discipline at the breakdown.
Final Thoughts
Both teams are highly motivated, but the outcome of this match will likely come down to Dax’s ability to dominate in the forwards and set-piece, and Biarritz’s ability to break free in the wider channels. With home advantage and a stronger scrum, Dax should be slight favorites, but Biarritz’s flair cannot be discounted.
The question that will define this game: Will Dax’s power in the forwards overpower Biarritz’s expansive play, or will the Basques' attacking brilliance prove decisive in the open field?
