RC Vannes – Bordeaux Bègles: who are the stars of UBB, RCV’s next opponent?

As with Stade Toulousain, it is difficult to remove a single star from the Bordeaux Bègles squad. And even if the UBB should be deprived of several players, currently in selection, notably with the XV of France (Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Yoram Moefana, Romain Buros…), there are still some great clients.

One of these was not expected at the start of the Blues rally. Matthieu Jalibert, sparkling since the start of the season and usual understudy for Romain Ntamack in the selection, was expected to wear number 10 in the absence of the Toulouse player, currently injured. But Fabien Galthié preferred Thomas Ramos, the usual starting back.

Substitute against Japan, Jalibert was not even on the scoresheet against New Zealand. The fly-half with 34 caps preferred to return to Gironde rather than be a reserve with the Blues and was not recalled to prepare for the last test match against Argentina. He is therefore available for the UBB trip to La Rabine and this is not good news for RC Vannes.

Sheepish sick

Another star from Bordeaux Bègles was not called up to prepare for Friday’s match with the XV of France. This is an executive from the Galthié team, indisputable starter on the wing: Damian Penaud. Ill, the second best try scorer in the history of the Blues (36 tries in 53 caps) therefore did not play any of the three test matches of the autumn tour. He therefore missed the opportunity to get closer or even beat Serge Blanco’s record (38 tries).

The former Clermontois, author of five tries in six Top 14 matches this season, is logically very uncertain for the UBB trip to Vannes.