LThe lights are green. By winning against Toulon (21-17) on Saturday, Union Bordeaux-Bègles signed a sixth success in a row (all competitions combined) and finished the first leg in provisional 1st place (pending the result of Toulouse- Stade Français this Sunday evening), with its second highest total of points at this stage of the competition (45). “The results are positive, there is no going off the road, we are undefeated at Chaban, we grabbed points away from home,” summarizes manager Yannick Bru. We are where we wanted to be. Players are rewarded for their efforts, their investment, and their ability to question themselves. They have worked a lot over the past six months. We are on the right path. »
To initiate the current beautiful dynamic, it was necessary to question things. Particularly from a pack of forwards who suffered from the comparison with the back lines stamped “XV of France”. But for three matches, whether in Ulster (19-40), in Castres (3-13) or against the RCT, the front eight is moving up the scale and finally finds itself in the spotlight. “I always think that if the three-quarters shine, it’s because the forwards did the job,” underlines Argentinian second row Guido Petti. It's true that the backs shine here, because we have incredible guys. We talk about it a lot. But in the last few matches, we made a lot of progress up front, we dominated well, we feel good. It shows the strength of the UBB forwards. »
“Our pack responded. It’s important that we keep these facets in our game”
Questioning
Under the leadership of Ugo Boniface and Carlu Sadie, the closed scrum proved intractable. In the wake of a powerful Tevita Tatafu, the Bordelais know how to mark their opponent with a hot iron. “Objectively, I have the impression that our pack is progressing,” says Yannick Bru. We can work with a core of players who were often absent at the start of the season. We must hope for this continuity in the matches to come, and the start of the year 2025. ” It remains to find the adjustments within an alignment still on alternating current, which after its flawless performance in Castres, lost eight balls on his own throws against Toulon. “It’s a bit disappointing,” admits the manager. There are always areas for progress. But I want to salute the questioning of our coaches up front, whether it is Jean-Baptiste Poux (scrum) or Shaun Sowerby (touchdown) who see the end of the tunnel. »
With its eyes fixed on its objective of top 2, synonymous with direct qualification for the semi-finals, the UBB knows that the road is still long. And it will have to go through a winter which could prove to be harsh, during which the “fighter planes” of the rear lines will undoubtedly have fewer opportunities to express all their talent. “I understand the expectations and the requirements but that’s two games in December, with either rain or mist, where there is a clear advantage to the defense,” recalls Yannick Bru. These are conditions to which we must adapt. Over the last two matches, our pack responded. It’s important that we keep these facets in our game. I’m happy with this progression at the end of the first legs.” To be confirmed on the Stade Français pitch on Saturday (4:30 p.m.).
