Despite a little scare at the start of the match, the Union Bordeaux-Bègles largely won against the Durban Sharks. With this improved victory with a score of 66-12, the Girondins are assured of receiving in the eighth but also in the quarters and semi-finals if they qualify. Damian Penaud treated himself to a sextuplet!
The match started with a clear domination of the Sharks. From the 4th minute, Masuku scored the first try, quickly converted by himself (0-7). A few minutes later, Kunene scored a second try for South Africanswell served by Masuku, but the latter missed the transformation (0-12).
Cold snap in Chaban Delmas. The UBB reacted in the 13th minute thanks to a try from Penaud, on a decisive pass from Carbery, but Jalibert missed the conversion (5-12). Shortly after, Kunene received a yellow card for a clash with Retière. This numerical superiority benefited the Bordelais: Penaud intercepted a ball lost by the Sharks to score his second try (10-12). Jalibert transformed this time to equalize (12-12).
The Sharks tried to regain control by putting pressure on the Bordeaux defense, but the UBB resisted well despite moments of tension and careful players (notably Gazzotti and Tatafu). Before half-time, Penaud scored a third try after good work from Lucu. Jalibert succeeded in the transformation, allowing Bordeaux-Bègles to take the lead for the first time (19-12).
The Bordelais finished this first period in the lead, thanks to a great collective reaction and an exceptional performance from Penaud, although the latter seemed to have injured his ankle during his last try.
-The Penaud Show
The second half began with the return of Penaud, whose ankle seemed to be holding up well. From the 44th minute, the UBB obtained the offensive bonus try thanks to Penaud, who made a long pass with the foot with a favorable rebound to find Lucu. Jalibert transformed without difficulty (26-12).
Three minutes later, on a carried ball, Boniface, who had just entered the game, grabbed the ball to score another try. Jalibert added two more points with an easy transformation (33-12). In the 55th minute, Moefana scored another try, perfectly served by Lamothe. Jalibert transformed once again (40-12).
The Sharks were gradually losing rhythm. Penaud continued his show in the 66th minute by scoring his fourth try, despite discomfort in his leg. Jalibert ensured the transformation (47-12). Shortly after, Penaud, found by a magnificent pass at the foot of Jalibert, scored his fifth try. Jalibert missed the transformation this time (52-12).
In the final minutes, UBB completely dominated an overwhelmed South African defense. Penaud scored a sixth try after a counter initiated by Jalibert, who quickly played a penalty. The successful conversion made the score 59-12. Finally, Nguimbous scored the last Bordeaux try, served by Penaud. Jalibert closed the meeting with a final transformation (66-12). In total, the Bordelais scored ten tries during the match, six of which were scored by Penaud. UBB, thanks to this large improved victory, finished at the top of its group.
