What a success for Bordeaux against Racing (52-34)! With, in particular, the hat-tricks of Damian Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey, the UBB three-quarter line gave the Ciel et Blanc a hard time. Despite a botched end to the match, the Girondins are ready to challenge Toulouse on the next day! Out of the game for a large part of the match, Stuart Lancaster’s players had a rather nightmarish evening…
Between the Unionists looking to take as many points as possible to aim for the top of the basket and the Parisians who came without pressure while testing themselves for the future, it was not forbidden to expect to an open duel. To be honest, it was important not to be late in the Chaban-Delmas stands, Penaud scoring a quick double in a few minutes, in the form of quick movements towards the outside (12-3, 12th). After this fiery start, the Girondins did not stop there, Bielle-Biarrey in turn would score a double, first with a passing game in perfect tempo and a precise service to the foot from Penaud, then on an error of judgment from Lancaster who fumbled the ball and on which the international winger took advantage of the opportunity (24-3, 19th). A real nightmare for the Parisians.
However, the reaction will be effective, Baudonne being at the end of a long work of the Ciel et Blanc forwards, allowing to cut a little the opposing rhythm (24-10, 24th). Not for long, since an inspiration of Jalibert, seeing the second and third curtain abandoned, will hit a over and capture the favorable rebound that he had created to go to the promised land (31-10, 31st). Nevertheless, Stuart Lancaster’s men will react late, offering Le Garrec, an additional try to mitigate an already heavy note and to still be alive in this meeting (31-17, 38th). Festival of tries in this first act (seven achievements) and intentions from all sides, to the benefit at this moment of the game for the UBB which signs a good offensive performance during the 40 minutes played.
Euphoric Girondins
What can we say about the rest, UBB imposed its game and its rugby. Depoortere went between the posts after a subtle combination wide (38-17, 45th), while Bielle-Biarrey offered themselves a hat-trick after an interception with James (45-17, 53rd). If Woki went through with force following work in the ruck (45-22, 62nd), Penaud also improved his statistics by piloting a maul and being at the conclusion for his hat-trick (52-22, 72nd). Bordeaux-Bègles gave themselves another scare at the end to keep their offensive bonus, Le Bail (76th) and Dayimani (79th) gave some momentum to a completely unbridled match (52-34, 80th) despite a red card received by Swinton five minutes from the end. A great evening with 13 tries.
Bordeaux-Bègles recited their rugby in their Chaban-Delmas lair. Prolific in their possessions, skillful in transforming the game, the Girondins displayed good form against their opponents, carried by a serenity at all costs. Enough to forget the fall in Lyon the week before and collect points to settle in the heights before a next tricky trip to Toulouse.
On the Parisian side, the observation is harsh. Overwhelmed in most sectors, Stuart Lancaster’s men were never able to compete over time despite sporadic reactions and 5 tries in total. In doubt about the few ammunition at their disposal, the Ciel et Blanc missed an opportunity to strike a big blow and the upcoming reception of La Rochelle next Saturday should allow them to reassure themselves or to rectify the situation.
