Top 14. Without Lucu and Bielle-Biarrey but with Jalibert, the probable composition of UBB in Castres

After a more than successful debut in the Champions Cup with two improved victories, Union Bordeaux-Bègles will return to the Top 14 this weekend, with equally great ambitions. Runner-up to Stade Toulousain, the Bordelais want to maintain the pace and widen the gap on their competitors, Clermont and Toulon.

The challenge that awaits them on Saturday is significant since they travel to Castres Olympique. The Tarnais, on the strength of their success against Munster (16-14), will want to maintain this good dynamic.

A well-deserved vacation

In addition to this perilous trip, certain players will be rested by Yannick Bru and his staff. After Matthieu Jalibert last week, it is the turn of Maxime Lucu and Louis Bielle-Biarrey to be entitled to a week of leave.

After an XXL November tour with the XV of France, “LBB” played all his club’s matches to fill the absence of Romain Burosinjured since the match against the All Blacks. Author of three tries in the last two matches, he risks being missed a lot by the Gironde three-quarter line.

But even without two of its most in-form players, UBB will look good. In front, Tameifuna, Lamothe and Poirot should be available and form a solid front line.

On the other hand, big concern in the second line. After Cyril Cazeaux’s injury, it was Jonny Gray who was injured against Ulster. It would be a major knee sprain with suspected fracture for the Scottish giant. It would be a huge blow for someone who has already played 11 games with Bordeaux this season.

Behind, in the absence of captain Lucu, it should be Arthur Retière who could be aligned at the hinge with Jalibert. Unless Lesgourgues succeeds in convincing the staff in training. Regardless, UBB, even with a hybrid team, will definitely be competitive at Pierre Fabre.