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Bordeaux end Clermont's perfect start, Zebo scores double in Racing win
By Peter Thompson
Clermont Auvergne's 100 per cent Top 14 record was ended by a 23-19 defeat at Bordeaux-Begles and Simon Zebo starred again in Racing 92's 27-11 defeat of Castres on Saturday.
Leaders Clermont were unable to stretch their winning run to five matches at the start of the season, tries from Vadim Cobilas and Afaesetiti Amosa and Baptiste Serin's 13-point haul giving Bordeaux victory at Stade Chaban Delmas.
Four Greig Laidlaw penalties and Jacobus van Tonder's try 17 minutes from time were not sufficient for Clermont to avoid a first defeat.
Ireland wing Zebo came up with a double to take his try haul to five in as many games in a dream start to life in the French capital following his move from Munster.
Racing moved up to third spot after they had too much for Castres, Virimi Vakatawa setting them on their way with a try in the first minute and Finn Russell booting 12 points.
Grenoble came out on top in the battle between two newly-promoted sides, beating Perpignan 31-22 to seal a first win in the top flight thanks to Gaitan Germain's tally of 26 points.
Toulon dished out a 33-3 thrashing to Agen, former New Zealand duo Malakai Fekitoa and Liam Messam among the five try-scorers, while La Rochelle hammered Lyon 30-13.
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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