Union Bordeaux-Bègles (UBB) delivered a stunning performance against Ulster Rugby, clinching a decisive 40-19 victory at Kingspan Stadium during Round 2 of the Investec Champions Cup on December 14, 2024. After trailing at halftime, UBB exploded onto the field in the second half, scoring 26 unanswered points to secure their place at the top of the group stages.
The match started off with both teams showcasing their skills. UBB made their intentions clear early on with Tevita Tatafu crossing the line just two minutes after the kick-off. The try was successfully converted by Joey Carbery, giving Bordeaux a swift 7-0 lead. Ulster, undeterred by the early setback, tied the game quickly. Cormac Izuchukwu leaped onto the scoreboard at the six-minute mark, with Nathan Doak converting the try to level the game at 7-7.
Ulster's assertiveness continued as they took the lead for the first time with Nick Timoney powering across the line, benefiting from Doak’s converted kick. Just as it seemed Ulster would take control, Bordeaux answered back with their own penalty try after Ulster's Dave McCann received a yellow card for foul play, equalizing the score at 14-14. Ulster managed to regain the lead just before the break with Werner Kok’s try, though Doak missed the conversion, leaving the hosts up 19-14 at halftime.
After the break, the momentum shifted dramatically. All-world winger Damian Penaud helped to turn the tide, scoring UBB’s first try of the second half at the 61st minute, with Carbery converting seamlessly to tie the match once again at 19-19. With the match poised for the final minutes, Guido Petti then surged forward for another try, this time converted by Matéo Garcia, giving UBB their first lead of the day at 26-19.
The crowd, which was initially riled up by Ulster’s spirited play, saw the atmosphere shift as UBB dominated the latter stages. Louis Bielle-Biarrey extended the Bordeaux lead to 33-19 with another try at the 71st minute, converting the frustration of Ulster fans. Ugo Boniface sealed the match with yet another try at the 78th minute, though Garcia missed his conversion attempt, wrapping up the game with Bordeaux sitting atop at 40-19.
This victory positioned UBB with a perfect 2-0-0 record after facing two strong Top 14 opponents, giving them momentum as they prepare for their next match against Exeter Chiefs. On the contrary, Ulster’s loss compounded their struggles, placing them at 0-2-0 within the Champions Cup play.
Moving forward, Bordeaux will head to Exeter for their next match on January 11, 2025, which is anticipated to be fiercely contested. Ulster, meanwhile, will take on Leicester Tigers the same day, hoping to shake off their early tournament struggles and score their first points of the group stage before the situation becomes more dire.
