Bordeaux (AFP)
The Bordeaux-Bègles Union, hampered by a catchy La Rochelle team, ended up winning over the end (20-15) to take the lead in the Top 14 for the first time in its history Sunday at Matmut Atlantique on the occasion of the 11th day.
And Peni Ravai emerged in full power to free his family and tip this Atlantic derby in the Girondin camp. Eight minutes remained and Christophe Urios' men, domineering but unproductive, were able to relax their jaws.
Thanks to this success, the Bordelais seize the place of leader to the detriment of Lyon, beaten Saturday in Castres (29-12). A throne they will dearly defend in a week in Pau.
So successful this season in Chaban, their first relocation took a long time to settle. The fault of Rochelais who had brought only a defensive bonus from Bayonne in five trips but disturbed by their victorious European exit in Glasgow.
Still behind the score, the men of Jono Gibbes raised doubts about a UBB which had managed its start (12-0 in 30 minutes, four penalties from Matthieu Jalibert) before losing the thread. The Maritimes leave with a deserved defensive bonus that owes a lot to the precise and powerful boot of Jules Plisson, author of five penalties.
Admittedly, the Rochelais did not offer much offensively but were able to feed on adverse errors to return to level in the space of twenty minutes (12-12, 52nd).
The will to play was clearly from Bordeaux but due to haste or due to the difficult conditions, the rendering was very random, like this uncomfortable touch which did not allow them to develop their game.
The Stade Rochelais hung on, feeling the big blow, but ended up giving in to the power of Ravai, who came to reward self-denial and a great deal of undermining of their own (72nd).
This week, Urios had declared "to have come to Bordeaux to be champion of France. For that there is an important stage which is to return in the Top 6. And for that it is necessary to regain the heart of our supporters. It is also that simple. " With 38,000 spectators and a place as a leader, its players won part of the bet.
© 2019 AFP