Three months after its defeat in the Top 14 final, Union Bordeaux-Bègles took its revenge against Toulouse, and in what way! The Bordelais, heroic in defense and inspired offensively, brought down Stade Toulouse at Ernest-Wallon for the first time this season and struck a big blow on the 4th day. It had been more than two and a half years since the Rouge et Noir last lost at home.
This confrontation was inevitably expected, in relation to the last two finalists of the previous edition, and especially the air of revenge which could float during the debates after the Toulouse demonstration a few months ago against the Unionists. The locals were quick to make their mark with a classic attack off Ramos who served his winger Kinghorn at the right tempo at the conclusion of a nice move (7-0, 8th). The UBB was quick to react, while Ainuu was at fault in the lineout, Jalibert converted the penalty to open the counter (7-3, 14th). While Boniface and Kinghorn took turns receiving a yellow card, the Girondins accelerated. Bielle-Biarrey admired his speed as well as his accuracy, feinting a pass and hook bringing him into the goal on a clear trajectory (7-8, 19th).
While the Haut-Garonnais seemed timid, the UBB took the opportunity to increase their possession and especially their desire to be a permanent threat. Bielle-Biarrey again, sped into the corridor, following a well-managed turnover, and served on the inside, his scrum half Lucu coming up to him for an unstoppable completion (7-13, 22nd). Cold snap for the locals at Ernest-Wallon, lacking precision at meeting points, despite domination in closed scrums. Ntamack will also miss two touches at the foot, like the Stadistes, jostled by the dynamism displayed by their opponents and the overflowing activity of the Gironde back lines, determined to compete in any case in this first act.
The heroic Girondins
The second act will be much more compartmentalized, where the tactical aspect will prevail over intentions, despite a few attempted skirmishes. Driven by constant courage, the Bordelo-Bèglais believed in themselves by going for penalties at the right time and massively investing in the opposing half of the field. If the scoreboard no longer really evolved, the defenses took over over wide actions that were often cut off by good attitudes. Mauvaka thought he was giving a positive impulse with his strong attempt following a carried ball, but Ramos faltered on the transformation behind (12-13, 70th). With only a few minutes left to play, Garcia gave an extra boost with a distant penalty (12-16, 76th), allowing all the deepest dreams to come true. . The match point will be in the hands of Toulouse, but a final contest from the Girondins at the foot of their posts will give success to Yannick Bru’s men.
Toulouse lost for the first time at home in 33 matches. An important moment in a season, with Haut-Garonnais generally not very decisive near the scoring zone, and not very inspired in the conduct of the game. A result which should call into question a French champion who crushed everything in his path, even whether this meeting will serve as the basis for a certain response. Huge performance from UBB. Already to take a frank and notable revenge on the lands of the champion of France who had martyred the Bordelo-Bèglais a few months earlier. Like a milestone reached, this performance can find its echo for the future, by uniting the minds and beliefs of a future season to be written. Bordeaux-Bègles shares the leadership position with Toulon on the evening of this fourth day.
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