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The Top 14 enters a critical phase at the weekend as early leaders Clermont and Perpignan clash while traditional titans Toulouse and Stade Francais face a fight to catch up.

And there's plenty to catch the eye elsewhere with Springbok "rocket launcher" Francois Steyn (pictured) keen to make his debut for Racing-Metro and the revitalised Jonny Wilkinson's Toulon tackling Biarritz at the Atlantic resort.

Clermont will be out for revenge after losing in last season's final play-off to Perpignan.

They swept aside winless Albi to consolidate their place atop the league last weekend, notching six tries as Australian Brock James kicked four conversions to set the pace as the Top 14 leading points scorer on 84.

But the Catalans away will pose a sterner test even if they have lost twice already and relied heavily on their scrum to secure a bonus-point victory over Montauban.

Toulouse manager Guy Noves also wants better from a club boasting 17 league titles despite a poor 2008-2009 season.

Stade Francais represents "the big reference match for the start of the season," Noves said on Wednesday.

"The Parisians have won their last two matches with the bonus point. They've rediscovered the enthusiasm and are progressing ... so for us it will be the big reference match for the start of the season.

"We have to stay focussed on our work, not be discouraged. Results will come," Noves predicted.

Stade Francais, who have already dispensed with the services of Australian coach Ewen McKenzie and his number two Christophe Dominici, lie seventh after a second successive bonus-point victories.

New Stade coach Jacques Delmas is promising further improvements.

With super boots making an early mark - Wilkinson's 18 points haul alone saw off former European champions Toulouse - Steyn says he cannot wait to get involved with Racing.

"I am feeling great, I've been able to train over the last few days and I am really impatient to get back on the field," he told Racing-Metro's website.

The 22-year-old, the youngest ever World Cup winner at age 19 in 2007, said he hopes to be included in the squad for Saturday's home game against Montpellier.

"My priority is to perform well for Racing and if I can bring something to the club I'll be stoked," he told L'Equipe sports daily after arriving on Monday.

"I feel quite fresh because during the last three Bok Test matches I only came off the bench. I feel like I've recovered well and I'm raring to go with Racing, as soon as possible."

Racing, languishing one from bottom, badly need the phenomenal kicking skills of the ex-Sharks star who has also played Tests for South Africa in the 10, 12, and 13 jerseys as well as number 15.

England's Wilkinson has already found his kicking boots and his rejuvenated Toulon side - who have already beaten Clermont and drawn with Stade Francais - will be looking to win at six-placed Biarritz.

Fixtures

Friday

Albi v Bayonne

Brive v Castres

Saturday

Perpignan v Clermont

Racing v Montpellier

Montauban v Bourgoin

Biarritz v Toulon

Toulouse v Stade Francais

AFP