Investec Champions Cup Semi-Final Report
The semi-final took place at the Stade Atlantique Bordeaux Metropole, which was sold out with an enthusiastic crowd of 42,000 spectators.
Tries: Gazzotti, Bielle-Biarrey, Lucu, Tameifuna, Matiu
Conversions: Lucu 5
Penalties: Lucu
Bath Tries: Muir 2, Hennessey, Carr-Smith
Conversions: Russell 3
Bath faced a challenging encounter against Bordeaux-Begles on France's Atlantic coast in their first top-tier European semi-final appearance in two decades. The match was anticipated as a contest between Bordeaux's dynamic and somewhat chaotic style and Bath's methodical, structured approach. Ultimately, Bordeaux's style prevailed as Bath was gradually overwhelmed by the relentless pace of the game.
At the packed Stade Atlantique Bordeaux Metropole, the reigning Champions Cup holders produced a commanding first half, with tries scored by Marko Gazzotti, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, and Maxime Lucu.
Despite being considered underdogs, the Premiership champions Bath matched Bordeaux's intensity during the first 30 minutes, with wing Will Muir crossing the try line twice.
The match featured numerous high-quality international matchups, including Bielle-Biarrey versus Henry Arundell and Matthieu Jalibert against Finn Russell. However, it was Bath's young centre Louie Hennessey who secured their third try early in the second half.
Following this, Bordeaux regained control of the match. Substitute Ben Tameifuna powered over for a try that helped Bordeaux assert dominance on the scoreboard. Temo Matiu further extended Bordeaux's lead, effectively sealing the victory despite a late consolation try from Tom Carr-Smith.
Bath's pursuit of a Champions Cup trophy will now extend to 29 years, while Bordeaux-Begles, as reigning champions, have earned the opportunity to defend their title against Leinster in the final scheduled three weeks from now.
Team Lineups
Bordeaux-Begles: Rayasi; Uberti, Penaud, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey; Jalibert, Lucu (c); Perchaud, Lamothe, Sadie, Palu, Coleman, Bochaton, Woki, Gazzotti
Replacements: Barlot, Boniface, Tameifuna, Cazeaux, Vergnes-Taillefer, Matiu, Retiere, Hugo Reus
Bath: Carreras; Arundell, Hennessey, Lawrence, Muir; Russell, Spencer (c); Obano, Dunn, Du Toit, Roux, Ewels, Bayliss, Pepper, Barbeary
Replacements: Tuipulotu, Van Wyk, Sela, Hill, Underhill, Carr-Smith, De Glanville, Reid
Match Officials
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant Referees: Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy), Eoghan Cross (Ireland)
Additional coverage includes:
- Cullen says media 'just want to kick boot into us'
- Leinster survive Toulon scare to reach Champions Cup final
- Lomu, Wilkinson, Pollock? Rugby's search for a crossover star
