By Gloucester and holders Bordeaux Begles opened this season’s Champions Cup with a thrilling 36-36 draw at Kingsholm, denying the French giants a shot at extending their long winning streak in the competition. Bordeaux, bidding for a third successive title, looked in real danger of their first Champions Cup defeat since a quarter-final loss to Harlequins in April 2024.
The visitors trailed 24-17 at the interval, and then 36-29 when Gloucester replacement Will Trenholm crossed twice midway through the second half for the early-season Premiership leaders. But France winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey replied with his second try of the game, converted by Maxime Lucu, and neither side could find a winning moment in a gripping finale.
A See-Saw Pool Three Battle
Gloucester’s three first-half tries all owed much to their strength at the scrum, though they twice had to come from behind. Bordeaux scrum-half Martin Page-Relo scored inside five minutes before replies from Arthur Clark and Max Llewellyn, and after Sipili Falatea leveled again, Lucu’s penalty from inside his own half put the holders ahead.
George Barton barged over from close range and kicked a penalty to close out the half. Bielle-Biarrey then sent Pablo Uberti over in the corner before grabbing his first try to restore Bordeaux’s lead — and after Trenholm’s quickfire double and Bielle-Biarrey’s second completed the five-tries-each scoring, both sides spurned late chances: Gloucester kicked a penalty to touch and lost possession, while Bordeaux couldn’t capitalize on a late scrum in Gloucester territory.
Tributes to Hyron Andrews
Before kick-off, there was a moment’s silence in memory of Lions lock Hyron Andrews, who died on Friday aged just 31 at the South African team’s hotel in La Rochelle. The Lions will fulfil that fixture in his honour on Saturday, with further tributes planned across the opening round of Champions Cup games.
Gloucester vs Bordeaux (Credits: BBC Sport)
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Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
