Cchange of decor. If Union Bordeaux-Bègles started its European campaign successfully against Leicester (42-28) last weekend, it will have to continue in Ulster this Saturday (4:15 p.m.) to live up to its ambitions . “We know that in these 4 group matches, every false step is prohibited,” underlines Jefferson Poirot. We know the importance of reaching the final.” But to hope for a result in Belfast, Yannick Bru's men know that they will have to play a full match and raise their level of play. “We are not yet playing our best rugby,” recognizes the left pillar. We still need to adjust, to be better at many things. The scrum, the touch, holding the ball…”
Since the start of the season, the Bordelais have often sinned at the start of matches where they were under pressure, like at Vannes in the Top 14 or against Leicester last Sunday. “We were surprised by the speed of execution,” explains Jefferson Poirot. In three actions, we are 5 meters from our line. We know what the standards are in this competition. We're settled. There is an awareness. Saying it is one thing, doing it is another.”
Not the same story
In a Kingspan Stadium fully committed to the cause of the Northern Irish province, facing an Ulster team which needs to redeem itself after the slap received in Toulouse (61-21) during the 1re day, the pressure is likely to be maximum for the UBB. “Ulster are the team that hold the ball the most in the URC. We will have to be united in defense and take care of discipline,” warns Maxime Lucu. “On their bench last week, there were four internationals: Iain Henderson, Tom O'Toole, Cormac Izuchukwu, Rob Herring., lists Noël McNamara, the Irish coach of the Girondins backs. There they start, it's a different team. For us, this is a big challenge. »
“This province has a long history. She's done a lot of things that we haven't done yet.”
Noel McNamara even gave a little presentation of Ulster this week for those who have not yet figured out where they are going to go. “It is the first Irish province to have won the European Cup (1999), he recalls. For them, this competition is magical, mystical. They have a lot of pride in them. This province has a long history. She’s done a lot of things that we haven’t done yet.”
Several French clubs have already lost their teeth there, like Racing 92 (31-15) last season. “We saw a video that was filmed at their home with highlights of all the French teams that fell there,” confides Jefferson Poirot. UBB already won in Belfast in 2017 (22-26) in a final group match without any issues. Since then, she has changed her status and will have to rise to the occasion again.
The first Champions Cup trip to Connacht last year should serve as a step forward. “These are matches which can launch a dynamic, tighten the group,” testifies Jefferson Poirot. It is customary to say that seasons are built far from the basics. Coming back with a victory can really kick off our season.”
The match
Ulster (6th/0 pts) – Bordeaux-Bègles (3rd/5 pts), this Saturday at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast.
