The French vice-champion may have finally launched his season. In difficulty since the start of the championship, Stade Rochelais fought back to beat Union Bordeaux-Bègles (25-21), Sunday evening at the end of the 7th day of Top 14, in a remake of the last half- final. Trailing by 13 points 25 minutes from time, the Maritimes managed to overthrow the UBB and secured a second victory, after the one won against Bayonne (18-15) last week. They move up to eighth place in the championship, four points from the top 6.
Without producing a particularly exciting spectacle, the Rochelais relied on their great strength, the carried balls. Two of them were masterfully led by hooker Pierre Bourgarit, author of a double (29th, 67th). A few minutes before his second try, UJ Seuteni had sounded the revolt by concluding at the end of an action started by a counter from Teddy Iribaren in the 22 meters of Gironde (56th).
First try for Penaud with UBB
Solidarity in the last minutes, buoyed by the contribution of their replacements (including the amazing opener Hugo Reus, seven points on the foot) and ultra disciplined (only one penalty conceded in the second act, despite the yellow against Levani Botia at the end of first period), the Rochelais secured this success against a direct competitor. “Above all, we are going to retain our character,” analyzed hooker Pierre Bourgarit on Canal +. “Their bench made the difference”, said the opener Matthieu Jalibert at the microphone of Canal + afterwards.
Clumsy on a few throws into touch, including the last one close to the opposing line (80th), the Bordelo-Béglais may have some regrets. Leading at the break thanks to the domination of its pack (9-8), UBB took off after returning from the locker room.
The XXL three-quarter line stood out, with a try from Nicolas Depoortère served inside by Damian Penaud (47th). The international winger, defector from Clermont, scored his first try with Bordeaux-Bègles a few minutes later by following a kick well placed by Jalibert (53rd). But overall proved insufficient for UBB, still without an away victory and continuing to blow hot and cold (10th in Top 14). “We are in a weak period, that’s for sure,” analyzes Ronan O’Gara, manager of La Rochelle. I am very proud of the players and the public. I liked the reaction of the players. It’s an important victory even if the performance was average. »
