Bordeaux Bègles’ hulking Tonga prop Ben Tameifuna says retaining the Investec Champions Cup is a “special” achievement.
In-form winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored two tries and captain Maxime Lucu provided 21 points in Bordeaux’s 41-19 trouncing of Leinster at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao.Since edging Bath in their semi-final three weeks ago, Bordeaux have struggled in the league with narrow wins over lowly Bayonne and Perpignan.
“It is relief. It has been a hard few weeks,” Tameifuna, 34, told Premier Sports. “This is one of the few times that I was nervous in my career. Back-to-back is special.”
REPORT: Bordeaux thump Leinster to go back-to-back
Bordeaux were supported by thousands of travelling French fans who had made the four-hour drive down the Atlantic coast to the sold-out 52,000-capacity San Mames stadium, nicknamed ‘The Cathedral’.
“What an arena and place to play,” Tameifuna said. “Thank you for everyone who made the trip.
“It is going to be a rough couple of days,” he jokingly added.
Leinster lost a record fifth Champions Cup final, having last won the title in 2017-18.
They trailed 35-7 at the break having conceded five tries, including a Yoram Moefana interception from 80m out.
“They’re capable of big moments out of nothing, a lot of the scraps went their way,” Leinster captain Caelan Doris told Premier Sports. “We left ourselves too tall of a mountain to climb.
“I’m happy with the resolve and how put the first half behind us.”
REACTION: France celebrates Bordeaux brilliance
All Blacks winger Rieko Ioane had a quiet day, even being outsmarted in defence for Pablo Uberti’s effort after 18 minutes, which gave Bordeaux the lead they never gave up.
Ioane will leave the province at the end of the season after joining on a seven-month deal.
MORE: Lions expect to face full-strength Leinster
Next weekend, Leinster host the Lions in the Vodacom URC quarter-finals as they look to defend that crown.
“There are some lads moving on,” said Doris. “So we’re going to have to celebrate them over the next couple of days before turning the page to finish the season with silverware.”
– AFP
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
The post ‘Back-to-back is special’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Bordeaux Bègles’ hulking Tonga prop Ben Tameifuna says retaining the Investec Champions Cup is a “special” achievement.
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