UOne eye in the rearview mirror, the other on the clock. Union Bordeaux-Bègles accelerated after the break to offer themselves an offensive festival on the pitch of the Stade Français (19-46) this Saturday (6 tries to 1). There was no need to waste time on this first match of 2025. Indeed, RC Toulon maintained the pressure with its improved success against Racing 92 (36-24). But the Bordelais managed to temporarily take first place in the Top 14 by beating Jean-Bouin and signing a seventh victory in a row (all competitions combined). We also couldn’t miss the last “return” train scheduled for 7:44 p.m. The UBB therefore reached Montparnasse station immediately under police escort. But even without this support, thanks to his fiery canes, Louis Bielle-Biarrey could undoubtedly have been on time. Author of a spectacular double, the French international was the symbol of newfound offensive efficiency.
After three narrow successes in the championship (9-6 against Montpellier, 3-13 against Castres and 21-17 against Toulon) where it had not shown its best face, the Bordeaux attack this time let go of the horses and relaunched the machine. “We had to restrict play in the last matches given the weather conditions,” explains scrum half Maxime Lucu. We weren’t having much fun. There, with ideal weather and ideal terrain (synthetic, Editor’s note), we came with intentions. The front five was good but we knew how to produce some play. We achieved what we couldn’t do in previous weeks. »
Bielle-Biarrey double
A bit annoyed during the last matches with the level of play proposed, Noel McNamara, the Irish coach in charge of offensive animation, can only be satisfied with the reaction of his players. “It’s always a pleasure when we score tries like today (Saturday), he admits. We have lacked efficiency in recent weeks but we have shown something else, like our character. It’s positive, especially with the return of Romain Buros, Pablo Uberti and Nans Ducuing. Depth is important to get the guys breathing and maintain the level of performance. »
This Saturday, the Bordelais brought out the full range of their striking power on their six tries, like Bielle-Biarrey who accelerated to catch a ball that he had just hit in the Parisian 22 meters on his first achievement (54th), before releasing an overrun on a very small perimeter at the end of the match to close the show (80th + 1). On turnovers, the Girondins were uncompromising in the second half with a try from Buros following an interval catch from Depoortere (57th), and another from Uberti (64th) on an interception. The forwards were not left out with a try from Coleman (23rd) and another from Boniface (76th).
Before taking off and knocking out the Pink Soldiers, the UBB was held back by its indiscipline in the first period (8 penalties conceded against 3) but had taken the advantage (12-13). “We knew how to stand together, defend with a lot of solidarity and we stayed in the match,” summarizes Maxime Lucu. Before stepping on the accelerator to extend the great momentum just before the return to the Champions Cup. “We continue on our way,” smiles the French international. We continue to gain points and confidence, even if nothing is certain. » But so far, the UBB is on time and in the right car.
