What if, for once, all French clubs competed (thoroughly) in the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup? In any case, that’s what we can hope for. And above all, beyond the double reigning champions from La Rochelle, the inevitable Toulouse or the solid Racingmen, another ambitious team is expected around the corner: the Union Bordeaux-Bègles. Too often irregular on the European scene in recent years, the Gironde team enters the fray this Friday against Connacht (9 p.m.). And can no longer hide.
The arrivals of Penaud, Samu or Tatafu, coupled with the reassuring presence of Tameifuna, Lucu or Jalibert as well as the advent of certain gems like Bielle-Biarrey or Depoortère have brought a new dynamic. A new vision. But the current 7th in Top 14 knows it. Standing up in the Champions Cup is far from easy. Except that, this season, the UBB is more than equipped to compete.
It is difficult to identify a favorite in this group 1. The teammates of Jalibert and Penaud will first face Connacht. A difficult team to negotiate when winter returns. The Irish will be able to count on the presence, in particular, of the very solid Bundee Aki, excellent during the last World Cup, but also that of Mack Hansen, the twirling winger of the Clover XV. On the other hand, former UBB player Santiago Cordero will not be there. Yannick Bru’s men will also challenge Bristol. The “Bears” will rely on the return to competition of Virimi Vakatawa but have not really achieved the objectives that the club had set for itself a few seasons ago.
Another English team will play against UBB. And what a team! The Saracens, one of the main European terrors. Despite administrative relegation three seasons ago, Owen Farrell’s teammates are still difficult to negotiate despite a somewhat aging squad. Bordeaux-Bègles will play one last match in South Africa against the Bulls. After facing the Sharks last year, the South West club will have a long and perilous trip which could well define their place at the end of the group stages.
The Girondins know this competition. Even if, since then, it has given way to some changes… During the 2015-2016 season, UBB finished second in its group before, the following year, finishing in the same place. In 2020-2021 – the most frustrating season for the club – President Marti’s men reached the semi-finals (21-9 defeat against Toulouse) of a competition turned upside down by the health crisis. Bordeaux then reached the 8th final and then a sad 11th place last season.
But, armed as it is today, the UBB must and can do better. Firstly thanks to its international Lucu-Jalibert hinge but also with its Penaud and Bielle-Biarrey rockets. The swift Moefana and Depoortère will continue to grow while the Ducuing and Tapuai will be serious finishers. But ahead, Bru’s men are still looking for each other.
“We understand the wait. But this armada is of little use if we are not present in the conquest, in the discipline and the forward play,” declared Maxime Lucu a few weeks ago. Injuries to Kaulashvili, Coleman and Cazeaux didn’t help. But the return of Tameifuna will do good. Targeted by critics, the “old hands” Maynadier and Poirot will finally have to rise to the occasion. The strong Sadie, who arrived in Yannick Bru’s luggage from the Sharks, must still go up a notch. If the chemistry works, the UBB will be able to travel in peace.