Bayonne after the severe defeat in Edinburgh, returns to its priority concern. “Heavy weather” expected in Brittany where Andy Bordelai revealed himself.
If the Bayonne players, for the most part, are going to discover La Rabine and, incidentally, the magnificent Gulf of Morbihan, they will be able to rely on the guide of the day, Andy Bordelai. The left pillar spent three years there, the last of which remains unforgettable since he won the national ProD2 title. It was also this final season in Brittany where he revealed himself as one of the best specialists in his position which earned him the chance to try his hand at the elite in the Basque Country. He had certainly cherished it with Racing during the 20-21 season… playing only 41 minutes including 39 against Bayonne, before joining RC Vannes permanently after a loan. “This is my first real season at this level, admits the person concerned. It was a desire to join this championship. This is why I accepted Bayonne’s proposal very early on.” The pillar trained in Créteil then in Massy also interested two other elite clubs but saw in Bayonne an opportunity to settle into the high level.
Patience
Obviously, adaptation to a higher degree requires patience. Andy Bordelai is aware of this. “The first thing to assimilate is the speed in the game. The scrum, there are quite a few customers! And it’s an eternal challenge. Every weekend is a new learning experience.” To reach the level where he is expected, the pillar still has a few pushes to give. But Grégory Patat has no doubts about his potential. “He must do even better, he specifies. He is still in observation. He is someone strong but not yet at his peak. He must quickly adapt to these standards of the Top 14, to this rigor in scrum. In the game, we don’t see it enough. When he emancipates himself, we will see his potential. It’s a question of time. But he knows he can do better, and so do I. We discussed it recently in an individual interview. We set ourselves goals. Attention ! He is only 24 years old. He’s in the passing times!”
Despite everything, the left pillar faces its responsibilities. In high demand due in particular to Quentin Béthune’s injury, he played nine out of eleven championship days, including five as a starter. He is preparing to experience the twelfth year as a substitute. Certainly the most moving. In the garden of La Rabine who saw it hatch.
