Bordeaux and Leicester played out an enthralling show of running rugby in an eleven try contest, highlighting the French sides class. Leicester lead at half time after racing into a surprising 28-21 lead with some powerful, dynamic rugby. However, Bordeaux came into their own in the second forty, with Jalibert, Bielle-Biarrey and Penaud running the show.
Here are the 5 talking points following the game:
Leicester’s European potential
The Tigers went to France missing some key players including Handre Pollard, Julian Montoya, and George Martin but Michael Cheika’s side will return with some serious European aspirations. Ultimately Leicester were outclassed but they showcased some brilliant attacking rugby in the first half while having the notable absentees. The performance and gaining of a losing bonus point could offer the Tigers a platform to build on in Europe this year.
Captain Jack van Poortvliet said: “There was so much in the performance that we can be proud of and take forward with us. The thing for us to work on is the small moments; that ten minutes after half-time saw us lose small moments that resulted in big consequences.”
“We fronted up physically, the set piece was strong and our attack was a positive; the quality of our shape and the way in which boys were creating and taking opportunities out there.”
Early signs of Bordeaux being serious contenders?
If the second half was anything to go off Bordeaux may be around come the semi finals and final stage. Their backline had a mix of pace, power and most elegantly a silkiness many teams can only wish for. Mathieu Jalibert ran the show with some beautiful kicking, passing and touches while their French back three duo of Damian Penaud and Louis Bierre-Bialley showcased just how skilful they are with the latter crossing twice.
One would not be surprised to see Bordeaux throw their hat in the mix come May.
Tigers need more squad depth
It was evident come the 50th minute the difference in squad depths today. Bordeaux outscored Leicester 28 points to 7 in the second half with the Tigers substitutions struggling to affect affairs. To fire on both domestic and European fronts this year Leicester will need all their stars to be fit and sharp week in week out.
Leicester head coach Michael Cheika said: “We got a bit of fatigue towards the end it showed how our squad was just a little weaker. We’d taken our depth out towards the end.”
“But all in all we’ll get a lot from that, I know we lost the game but we’ll get a lot from it.”
Leicester scrum
The Leicester scrum today was dominant throughout the eighty minutes giving a fine account of itself. With main hooker Julian Montoya out, Charlie Clare anchored down between James Cronin and Joe Heyes. The front row were superb with both Cronin and Heyes obliterating their 120kg plus opponents. Given the speed of the Tigers attack today, head coach Michael Cheika will be delighted with the set piece platform to continue building that attack off.
Galthie and Jalibert need to make up
French head coach Fabien Galthie needs to give the Bordeaux out half a call. He was simply sensational. After being a doubt earlier in the week with illness, Jalibert gave a classy and composed account of himself. He kicked flawless from the tee, while offering a silky range of passing and kicking to platform an ever willing Bordeaux attack. With Galthie taking some rest after the Autumn internationals, he will no doubt have to make up with the Bordeaux man if this form continues to February and the beginning of the Six Nations.
