The joy of the Bordelais after the third try signed Damian Penaud. ROMAIN PERROCHEAU / AFP
The closing clash of the 19th day of Top 14 between Bordeaux-Bègles and Stade Toulousain kept all its promises, with a victory for the locals at the end of the suspense (31-28).
What a match, and what a final at the Matmut Stadium in Bordeaux! Bolstered by the return of its internationals after conceding four defeats in the last six Top 14 matches, Bordeaux-Bègles won hands down after a world-class match.
Everything was there: suspense, overflowing intensity, a turnaround, nine tries… A Sunday evening match like all oval enthusiasts love.
From the start, the locals imposed their rhythm with a good try scored in the first Bordeaux action by French international Yoram Moefana (2nd), decisive during this meeting. A start to the match also marked by the exit of the Toulouse opener Thomas Ramos, man at the end of the French match against England, but hit in the ribs in the 4th minute of play. The opportunity to see Antoine Dupont again earlier than planned for a rugby union team, he who had shone with the 7 of France during his American tour.
Read also Far from the XV of France, Antoine Dupont shone with the 7-a-side team
In short, the locals had a high-flying first half. A multiplication of actions, a realism to be highlighted with tries from Tatafu then Penaud, also excellent for his return to the club. The only downside of this first half for Bordeaux: the clumsy footwork of Maxime Lucu (0/3), which prevented his teammates from taking an additional 7 steps ahead.
Trailing 24-7 after returning from the locker room, Toulouse reacted well, with the return of Paul Costes in particular, warned for a deliberate attack at the end of the first period (35th). Everything came together from the 53rd minute for the evening visitors, with tries from Ahki and a double from Lebel, magnificently converted by Juan Cruz Mallia – who also prevented a 50-22 from Romain Buros at the start of the second half -, including twice in the corner. Back in front thanks to Matthis Lebel’s second try, at the conclusion of a timely kick, the Toulouse residents finally cracked with a try from Pierre Bochaton, forgotten on the right and on the verge of putting a foot in touch (29- 28). A try carefully converted by Mateo Garcia, who offered three additional points to UBB.
Read alsoRelive minute by minute the match between Union Bordeaux-Bègles and Stade Toulousain
Greedy, the Toulouse people did not want to settle for a draw and pushed to score a final try, in vain after Mallia left the sidelines (80th + 3).
In difficulty before this meeting, the UBB is back in the race for the final stages. He takes third place in the championship, seven points behind Stade Toulousain 7th (defensive bonus in his pocket) and ten behind Stade Français, leader. Racing 92 is hot on the heels of UBB (one point behind, 48 pts), Toulon and La Rochelle are just behind (46 points). The end of this Top 14 promises to be exciting, like this meeting, worthy of a great evening.
