The showdown finally turned to the advantage of Stade Rochelais (25-21) this Sunday at the end of a match fought to the end. After a locked first period, where Bordeaux was able to take the lead, the two teams let go. First the UBB, which was able to showcase the quality of its back line to score two tries and increase its lead. But La Rochelle’s reaction did not take long: thanks to the power of its forwards and the quality of its replacements, the maritime club took control of the match and never gave it back.
Bordeaux worn by its Blues
The return of internationals has certainly done good for UBB, whose back line made up of Frenchmen did some damage this Sunday. Matthieu Jalibert was particularly formidable. At first, the opener regularly returned the game to the opposing camp and scored 11 of his team’s 21 points (3/4 penalties and 1/1 conversion). But also in the direction of the game, where he was very valuable.
It was his jump pass which led to the excess for Nicolas Depoortere’s try (47th) and his kicking game behind the defense which offered his first try to Damian Penaud, author of a very convincing first under the Bordeaux jersey (53rd). UBB’s defense was also very effective for more than half of the match. The commitment made by Yannick Bru’s players allowed them to hinder the opponent’s progress, to scratch and recover penalties in the first period.
The La Rochelle machine in diesel mode
The start of the match was difficult for Rochelais caught in the intensity and beaten in the kicking game, the two teams regularly passing the ball back and forth. The Tawera Kerr-Barlow – Antoine Hastoy hinge lacked precision in this area, where Brice Dulin on the other hand delivered a good match. The Maritimes also lacked discipline in the first period, conceding too many penalties including one which earned Levani Botia (37th) a yellow card.
Ronan O’Gara’s men nevertheless knew how to play to their strengths, notably their power up front which allowed them to score at the start of the match on a ball carried by Pierre Bourgarit (29th). They also showed themselves to be much more disciplined in the second half against the Bordelais who began to fall back.
Faced with opposing pressure, Maxime Lucu saw several of his clearance attempts blocked, including one which led to a La Rochelle turnover in the opposing 22 and a try from UJ Seuteni (56th). Helped by the good entries of Teddy Iribaren and Hugo Reus, the Rochelais took advantage of the opposing disintegration to score the victory try on another maul concluded by Bourgarit (68th). This victory gives some fresh air to Stade Rochelais, which moves from 12th to 8th place. UBB, which must be satisfied with the bonus point, is 10th.