La Rochelle is crazy! After trailing 8-21, the French vice-champions and European champions finally got the better of UBB (25-21) this Sunday, during the last match of the seventh day of Top 14. From the internationals to the four corners of the pitch, favorable playing conditions and two teams looking for a benchmark match: everything came together to witness a great match. But between the numerous forwards, the long sequences of rugby ping-pong and the numerous penalties whistled against the two teams, the poster for this 7th day disappointed. Author of the first spark of the game, with Tevita Tatafu caught at the last minute by Jonathan Danty (12′), UBB was rewarded by opening the scoring thanks to a penalty from Mathieu Jalibert (15′, 0-3). a slight Bordeaux domination, Yannick Bru’s men allowed the Rochelais to stay in contact by conceding 6 penalties. And if the Rochelais were slow to punish this indiscipline, notably with a missed penalty by Antoine Hastoy (18′), they finally found the fault. Confident on the touchline sector, the Rochelais pressed this point by forming numerous mauls to score their first try through their hooker, Pierre Bourgarit (28′, 8-6).
At half-time it was finally UBB who took the lead thanks to a third penalty from fireworks player Jalibert (37′) to put an end to a disappointing first period. But with all this talent on the field, this match had to ignite. Taking advantage of the yellow card against Botia (37′), UBB started the game with a numerical superiority. And after 47 minutes, the Bordeaux arrows came into focus. Obviously, the inevitable Damian Penaud made headlines. Initially, the former Clermont player played the move perfectly by passing inside on Nicolas Depoortere, author of a good run, for UBB’s first try (46′). Before being decisive and scoring his first try, lucky, when receiving a play at the foot of Mathieu Jalibert (52′). Rather discreet in the first period, he showed what he could bring to UBB.
But La Rochelle did not give up and, supported by its loyal audience of Marcel Deflandre, responded directly with Seuteuni’s try (55′) after a kick from Maxime Lucu blocked by Teddy Iribaren. And while the UBB mastered its subject, Yannick Bru’s men gradually collapsed, committing numerous mistakes and showing themselves dominated in scrum and touch.
And precisely in touch, the Rochelais felt strong this Sunday evening. So like the first try of the match, they relied on a successful maul to send Pierre Bourgarit behind the line for the second time of the evening (66′) and regain the advantage in the score. With a penalty from Hugo Reus and an ammunition wasted by Clément Maynadier and the UBB in the final moments (80′), the Rochelais emerge victorious from this Atlantic derby and finally launch their season.