CHAMPIONS CUP. With Penaud, Jalibert but without Bielle-Biarrey: the probable line-up of UBB against the Sharks

This Sunday, Union Bordeaux-Bègles hosts the Durban Sharks for the last Champions Cup group match. Between issues and management of people, the challenges are multiple for Yannick Bru, who must field the most competitive team possible.

The bonus in sight

The improved victory is obligatory for the Bordelais. This result would ensure them first place in the group stage, all teams combined. To do this, you will have to beat the Sharks by scoring at least four tries. A task far from impossible for a team which has already scored 23 tries in 3 matches (1ᵉʳ).

In order to achieve this objective, Yannick Bru has the Bielle-Biarrey and Penaud arrows. The center of the field is also very strong with the Depoortère-Moefana association. However, All these beautiful people will appear in Galthié's list of 42 and could play all five Six Nations matches.

Five very high-intensity international matches, we might as well avoid pulling too hard before the Tournament. This is the dilemma facing the Gironde manager: which team to field to remain competitive while managing its internationals? Louis Bielle-Biarrey is the one who has played the most with already 1156 minutes on the clock!

Given the stakes, with a course entirely in Chaban-Delmas until the semi-finalthe Bordeaux staff would have every interest in fielding the best possible team. Even if it means building a hybrid team for the reception of the LOU the following week.

An infirmary that is filling up

In recent weeks, the UBB has not been varnished. Adam Coleman injured his left thigh. The powerful second line is expected to miss approximately two months. Jonny Gray, the other beam, was also hit in the ankle. Pierre Bochaton still takes care of his back and Pete Samu his knee. These four were joined by full-back Romain Buros, injured against Exeter, he has eight weeks.

On the good news side, Matthieu Jalibert returned to the competition in the best possible way against Exeter last week. Registering a test and driving the Bordeaux truck perfectly. Sipili Falatea is in the recovery phase, he should be too tight for the Sharks' reception.