Connacht out to match Bordeaux’s French flair and power in Champions Cup
Mack Hansen in action for Connacht last week in the URC against Leinster. Photo: Sportsfile
Bundee Aki
There had been whispers out west that Bordeaux may arrive at the Sportsground for tonight’s Champions Cup opener with a weakened team, but in truth, they were more in hope rather than expectation.
Following a chat with Bordeaux’s attacking coach Noel McNamara, it’s clear that the French side will be coming to Galway locked and loaded.
The tournament is all the better for Bordeaux sending such an exciting team in what has the makings of being a cracking occasion.
While the temptation may be to focus on the star-studded French stars like Matthieu Jalibert and Damian Penaud, Connacht have their own big gun back in the team, as Bundee Aki makes a welcome return.
Aki’s heavyweight midfield clash with Ben Tapuai will be fascinating, as will JJ Hanrahan’s duel with Jalibert, who links up with Maxime Lucu for what could be France’s half-back partnership come the Six Nations opener against Ireland.
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On the fast 4G surface, Penaud has the ability to cut loose if he is given any time or space, while so too does Mack Hansen.
With Argentina lock Guido Petti and Australia back-row Pete Samu, Bordeaux have a strong pack, while reinforcements like Ben Tameifuna provide back up.
The visitors will look to fire on all cylinders before they go to their bench which has six forwards.
Connacht, who have gone with the more traditional 5/3 split, will be wary of what is to come in the second-half.
The key is to deny Jalibert front-foot ball. If Connacht can manage that and fire their own shots, they can get their European campaign off to a winning start.
Verdict: Connacht
Connacht: M Hansen; B Ralston, C Forde, B Aki, A Smith; JJ Hanrahan, C Blade (capt); D Buckley, D Heffernan, F Bealham; D Murray, J Joyce; C Prendergast, S Hurley-Langton, S Jansen. Reps: T McElroy, P Dooley, J Aungier, N Murray, C Oliver, M McDonald, D Hawkshaw, J Porch.
Union Bordeaux-Begles: R Buros; D Penaud, N Depoortere, B Tapuai, P Uberti; M Jalibert, M Lucu (capt); U Boniface, C Maynadier, S Falatea; G Petti, T Jolmes; P Bochaton, P Samu, T Tatafu. Reps: M Lamothe, B Tameifuna, C Sadie, A Richard, B Vergnes-Taillefer, A Miquel, P Abadie, N Ducuing.
Ref: K Dickson (England)
Connacht v Union Bordeaux-Begles,
Live, TNT Sports, 8.0
The lowdown on Bordeaux
How to beat them: Deny Matthieu Jalibert front-foot ball by winning the breakdown and setting the platform for Bundee Aki to get Connacht over the gain-line.
How they beat you: Bordeaux can strike from anywhere, and while their side is littered with explosive backs, they have a mean pack with a 6/2 split on the bench.
Star man: Damian Penaud is one of the best wingers in the world right now and he has the ability to cut loose in the blink of an eye. A total joy to watch.
