Defending champions Bordeaux-Bègles reinforced their status in the Investec Champions Cup with a 27–15 victory over Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate, inspired by a sensational hat-trick from winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey. Both teams played at full strength, highlighting the importance of the encounter. The result secured top spot for Bordeaux and a favourable knockout pathway, with all play-off matches in France and a potential final just across the border in Bilbao, Spain.
The match was played in cold rain and murky conditions, a stark contrast to Bristol’s previous week at altitude in Johannesburg, emphasising the challenge of adaptation. While the Bears attempted to control the game with expansive rugby, Bordeaux combined composure with clinical finishing.
Bristol struck first, with Gabriel Oghre darting over after turnover ball created early momentum. Bordeaux responded through Matthieu Jalibert, who released Bielle-Biarrey for his first try. Nine minutes later, following a misjudged pass from Tom Jordan intended for Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Martin Page-Relo gathered the loose ball and delivered it to Bielle-Biarrey, who sprinted clear to score his second try, extending Bordeaux’s lead.
Bordeaux’s third try came from a different scenario. Bristol, attacking deep in Bordeaux’s 22, lost possession, allowing the visitors to launch a kick-and-chase. Nicolas Depoortère collected the ball and grounded it for a crucial score, with Jalibert converting to make it 17–5. Bordeaux’s tactical kicking and composure increasingly dictated the match, while Bristol struggled to maintain continuity in the slippery conditions.
After the interval, Bristol created chances, with Janse van Rensburg powering through a narrow channel to score, though Bordeaux players were sceptical about the grounding. Sam Worsley’s penalty brought the Bears within five points, setting up an exciting finale.
The decisive moment arrived at the final whistle. Bielle-Biarrey reacted quickest to a loose ball, kicked through and grounded it to complete his hat-trick, securing the vital bonus-point victory.
“It was really hard today,” said Bielle-Biarrey. “Both teams wanted to play but we’re really happy to win and take the group. It was really important for us, but we were not expecting it.”
The result leaves Bristol vulnerable in Pool 4, with Northampton Saints no longer needing a bonus-point win over Scarlets to overtake them. For Bordeaux, the victory confirms their status as tournament frontrunners, blending adaptability, discipline, and clinical finishing under pressure.
