Union Bordeaux Bègles travels to the pitch at the Stade Pierre Fabre in Castres this evening with the ambition of seizing first place in the Top 14. Yannick Bru's men are in great form but will have to be wary of the Tarnais who …
This evening, at 9:05 p.m., a crucial match will be played for the top of the Top 14 rankings between Castres Olympique and Union Bordeaux Bègles. The Girondins, currently 2nd in the championship, have the opportunity to temporarily take the lead in the event of a victory at the Stade Pierre Fabre. A mission which promises to be difficult against Castres who remain on a convincing success in the European Cup.
UBB wants to continue its positive dynamic
After a sluggish start to the season, Yannick Bru's men have had a string of good results in recent weeks. Winners of their last four matches in all competitions, including a resounding victory against Stade Français, the teammates of Matthieu Jalibert et Cameron Woki arrive in Tarn full of confidence.
This meeting will be an opportunity for UBB to show that it has reached a milestone this season and that it can now compete with the best, including away. The Stade Pierre Fabre is not, however, conquered territory for the Bordelais who have not won there since 2020.
Castres wants to defend its lair
For its part, the CO is currently in 7th place in the Top 14 and aspires to join the top 6 qualifying for the final phase. Irregular since the start of the season, the Castres alternate between the good, like last week against Munster, and the less good, like the heavy defeat conceded to Clermont at the end of November.
But at home, in front of their lively audience, the men of Pierre-Henry Broncan are often capable of transcending themselves. Taken by his captain Matthew Babillotthe Castres pack will be a serious client for the Girondin forwards. The battle promises to be fierce in conquest.
The challenges of the meeting
For the UBB, the objective is clear: to win to overtake Stade Toulousain and occupy, at least temporarily, the leadership position in the championship. A victory with the offensive bonus, as in the first leg (38-6), would even allow Bordeaux to take a four-point lead.
As for Castres, we above all want to return to success at home after the defeat against Stade Français at the beginning of December. The Tarnais are aiming for an improved success which would allow them to return to the level of 6th, Lyon, before the latter travel to Toulouse on Sunday.
It's the kind of match that can launch a season or, on the contrary, slow it down. There is a lot of anticipation around this shock. We know that Castres is waiting for us. It's up to us to live up to the event.
Christophe Urios, UBB manager
Remote duel with Stade Toulousain
Beyond the opposition between Castrais and Bordelais, this clash at the top of the table will also be the occasion for a long-distance duel between UBB and Stade Toulousain. The two teams are neck and neck at the top of the championship and neither will want to let any points slip away along the way.
The Rouge et Noir will host Lyon on Sunday evening in a sold-out Stadium. They will therefore be particularly attentive to the result of their Girondin rivals the day before. The race for the Brennus shield promises to be thrilling until the end this season!
One thing is certain, this poster between Castres and UBB will be closely scrutinized by all Top 14 fans. A match not to be missed under any circumstances to take the temperature of the very high level of French rugby. Answer this evening from 9:05 p.m. on the pitch of the Stade Pierre Fabre.
