The Union Bordeaux-Bègles (UBB) stunned the Castres Olympique, ending their unbeaten home streak with a decisive 13-3 victory on December 21, 2024. This match, played at the Pierre-Fabre Stadium, was not just another game; it was indicative of UBB’s growing resilience and adaptability, proving they can secure wins even with key players sidelined.
Following their impressive win, players from UBB received evaluations from various critics. Tevita Tatafu and Guido Petti stood out with scores of 8/10 from Sud-Ouest, showcasing their significant contributions during the game. Several players, including Ugo Boniface, Connor Sa, and Carlu Sadie, garnered 7/10 ratings, reflecting their solid performances as the team operated like well-oiled machinery.
Meanwhile, Rugbyrama also highlighted Tatafu's prowess, granting him the same 8/10 rating, with Rohan Janse Van Rensburg and Petti closely behind at 7.5. The evaluations continued with players like Mahamadou Diaby and Temo Matiu receiving 7/10, emphasizing the overall effectiveness of the squad.
Mahamadou Diaby shared insights after the match, stating, "The word was to seek such exploits." His enthusiasm reflected the preparation and mentality leading up to the game. He emphasized, "We were connected all week, knowing we weren't heading to the slaughterhouse." This attitude contributed significantly to the team’s performance.
Diaby acknowledged the team's improvement from past encounters with Castres, noting, "Last season, we had taken quite the beating here, and it was on our minds." Despite past setbacks, the team showed discipline and commitment to their game plan, something which greatly pleased their coaching staff.
Jean-Baptiste Poux, the scrum coach for UBB, expressed joy over the team's ability to meet expectations. “We knew we were expected to perform and we delivered,” he noted after the match. Poux elaborated on the team's preparation, highlighting their dominant work ethic throughout the week. He said, "We managed to tackle Castres at their strong points, which is very satisfying."
Contrasting with UBB's triumph, Castres Manager Jeremy Davidson expressed disappointment, stating, "We are very disappointed. We lost many balls and missed our opportunities." His team struggled significantly to convert possession and capitalize on scoring chances, particularly during the match's second half.
The defense was transformed for UBB, as they did not concede any tries, showcasing their commitment to maintaining shape and structure under pressure. "It’s never easy to win at Castres", Poux admitted, yet his players rose to the occasion, displaying sheer determination and adaptability.
The historical significance of this victory cannot be understated. UBB proved they could learn from past mistakes, especially contrasting with last year's heavy defeat where they conceded 41 points. Poux described this match as "a real test" and claimed, “We believed until the end.”
Fans and players alike celebrated this monumental win, and quickly turned their focus toward upcoming challenges. "There’s no time to rest," Poux emphasized, making it clear they must maintain momentum going forward, particularly as they prepare to face tough opponents like Toulon next.
Overall, UBB’s victory against Castres is not merely another point on the scoreboard; it is pivotal for building confidence and establishing their presence as strong contenders this season. It serves as proof of their progress, particularly after facing adversity with missing key players. With their eyes set on greater aspirations, UBB has signaled their ambitions for the remainder of the season.
