Bordeaux-Begles player ratings: French half-backs dictate classy victory as Northampton Saints fall just short
Bordeaux Begler player ratings
It was another European victory for Bordeaux-Begles this afternoon, as they showed their class with a 20-28 Champions Cup final victory over Northampton Saints.
Here’s how we rated their players.
Bordeaux Begles player ratings
15 Romain Buros: The 27-year-old regular started the game well, helping set up Damian Penaud for the first try. Sadly, his day came to an end just 15 minutes later, coming off after just 20 minutes with an apparent injury. 5
14 Damian Penaud: It was a typically impressive performance from the record try-scoring winger, getting on the scoresheet twice and threatening many more times. It was an all-court display from the French international who found plenty of space in the wide channels, as well being secure under the high ball and in the tackle area. While the Saints backline focused heavily on sedating fellow wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Penaud found enjoyment in tormenting the regularly backtracking Tom Litchfield. 8
13 Nicolas Depoortere: He threatened his opposite number with great vigour throughout the afternoon. Able to run directly at the Saints defence with the knowledge that he had two world-class wingers outside of him, Depoortere was a real threat. He made a great jackal over the top of Tommy Freeman in the first half, proving just how dangerous he is, on, and around the ball. 7
12 Yoram Moefana: Did the graft up the middle, regularly taking vital contact to give his side the front footing. The French centre was also religious in defence, barely putting a foot wrong. 7
11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey: A majestic first half, but a subdued second. He looked fully deserved of all his recent plaudits and accolades in that first half, using his rapid speed to constantly turn Saints defenders on their heels. The second half he struggled to get into the game, with Saints having seemingly targeting the young winger. 7
Damian Penaud crowned European Player of the Year after staggering try record
10 Matthieu Jalibert: From the tee he wasn’t ticking, but with ball in hand he was exploding. His attacking skills were visible bright and early, with at first a cheeky kick over the top to split the defensive line, and later a stepping seminar in front of what felt like the whole Northampton team, eventually setting Adam Coleman up for a try in the corner. Fortune was truly on his side throughout the match, noted particularly when a poor kick of his own was quickly recovered to gain yet another assist. 8
9 Maxime Lucu: A smart decision to go wide for the first try was just the start of what would be a terrific scrum-half display. Incredibly nippy throughout, and not afraid to put his body on the line, Lucu was the heartbeat of this Bordeaux performance. Occasional miscommunication between passer and receiver, but likely to be more the fault of the latter than the former. 8
8 Peter Samu: A quiet showing from the Australian international. He made his tackles when needed, and carried well, but will have wished to have made more of an impact. 6
7 Guido Petti: Not exactly a day in the spotlight for the Harlequins bound Argentinian, but he did his job well and without any fuss. 6
6 Mahamadou Diaby: Got away with a shoulder to the head hit early on, and then found himself fortunate to receive only a yellow for a later hit. Off after 40, presumably as a precaution from the coaching staff following his actions. 3
5 Cyril Cazeaux: A mixed bag for the giant lock. He regularly took the ball into contact far too high, and should have been yellow carded for a deliberate knock on later on. His aggression was eventually rewarded, however, securing the all-important try which took Bordeaux beyond one score. 6
4 Adam Coleman: The Tongan international, formerly of Australia, was involved in everything around the park. He was dominant in the contact area and vital to Bordeaux’s set-piece efforts. Scored a wingers try in the corner after some Jalibert magic. 7
3 Sipili Falatea: He tackled hard, scrummed well, and put the work in, but only gave half a game’s showing. 5
2 Maxime Lamothe: 100% set-piece record, but guilty of dropping the ball over the line in the second half which he wont like watching back. 6
1 Jefferson Poirot: Tackled extremely well and was all over the park defensively. Also, didn’t mind getting his hands on the ball and throwing himself into the opposition. Will be thrilled with his showing. 7
Replacements: Looked to come on and sure up the contact area, but did struggle to keep up with the speed of play initially. The excess size and power eventually showed, however, as they sent their English opponents back towards their own line even though they were chasing the game. 7
