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Leicester crumble in Bordeaux, Ulster shredded in Toulouse

By PA
Bordeaux-Bègles' South African prop Carlu Johann Sadie tackles Leicester' Irish Prop James Cronin during the European Rugby Champions Cup pool 1 match between Union Bordeaux-Begles (UBB) and Leicester Tigers at The Chaban-Delmas Stadium in Bordeaux on December 8, 2024. (Photo by ROMAIN PERROCHEAU / AFP) (Photo by ROMAIN PERROCHEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

Bordeaux-Begles mounted a second-half fightback to beat Leicester 42-28 in their opening Investec Champions Cup clash at Stade Chaban-Delmas.

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The Tigers had built a seven-point lead by half-time, but the hosts recovered with four tries as France international Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored twice.

Despite resting several players for the European tie, Leicester made a positive start with two tries in the opening 15 minutes through lock Harry Wells and Josh Bassett’s close-range touchdown.

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    Bordeaux had replied with a sixth-minute try from forward Pete Samu before Guido Petti went over from a counter-attack to level things up ahead of the half-hour mark.

    Frenchman Come Joussain then crafted a try on his Tigers debut to put the English side 21-14 ahead at the break.

    Fixture
    Investec Champions Cup
    Bordeaux
    42 - 28
    Full-time
    Leicester
    All Stats and Data

    Bourdeaux, though, regrouped during the interval and produced a lightning start to the second half as Bielle-Biarrey scored from his own kick before Samu went over for his second to put the home side in front.

    Bielle-Biarrey touched down again between the posts before Nicolas Depoortere ran in a sixth try, with Izaia Perese bundling over late on to at least secure Leicester a bonus point.

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    Holders Toulouse made it a French double Pool One as Antoine Dupont’s side swept past Ulster 61-21 at Stade Ernest-Wallon.

    The hosts had set the tone when Matthis Lebel went over in the corner inside two minutes before Romain Ntamack barged across from Dupont’s pass.

    Ulster responded with a 12th-minute try from James McCormack, but Toulouse soon scored again through lock Emmanuel Meafou before Italy international Ange Capuozzo capped off a fine move and Dupont touched down a fifth try.

    Fixture
    Investec Champions Cup
    Toulouse
    61 - 21
    Full-time
    Ulster
    All Stats and Data

    Stewart Moore raced clear to get Ulster on the board again, but there was little respite as Meafou’s second try made it 40-14 at the break.

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    Santiago Chocobares continued the onslaught in the second half from another flowing attack and Capuozzo went over after collecting a fine kick from Dupont.

    Iain Henderson barged over for Ulster’s third try with 13 minutes left before Toulouse completed a comprehensive win with a penalty try from the final action of the match, Thomas Ramos having kicked seven conversions.

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    M
    Mzilikazi 46 minutes ago
    Matt Faessler: ‘To be involved in a home World Cup would be just next level’

    Thanks for the article, Brett. I must say I am disappointed that the Reds have lost both games against the two top teams from NZ they have played so far this year. I feel they should be more advanced under Les Kiss and his coaching team in what is now the second year of tenure.


    The lineout, which you highlight in the article, is an obvious standout. Matt Faessler is shaping as a standout finisher of mauls, but that ability is wasted if the throw/lift/catch element is a shambles.


    Also very disappointing so often is the ability to spread the ball wide using the “out the back” type passes well. Just watch Scotland, even currently weak Wales, to see the level of sophistication in this area that can be achieved.


    In the final analysis, the breakdown work is not as good as all the NZ sides achieve with apparent ease. Their scrum halves so often have an “armchair ride” compared to our 9’s, who deal with slow and often scrappy ball. And I would say this applies to all our Australian sides, not only the Reds.


    Not being one eyed on Qld, I am also disappointed to see the Waratahs not performing as one would have hoped, given the strength of their roster now. Ofc, one must also look at the injury toll effect on all teams.


    And there is no question, on the positive side of this years competition, how very competitive all teams can be on their day. Mona Pacifica are looking more than just competitive now, but the Highlanders are are much better team than last year, as are the Force.


    I find the background bits on players great reading always. and your recounting of Matt Faessler’s grandfather’s exploits is just up my street. Keep writing for us, please !!

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