Bordeaux-Begles take revenge and end Toulouse Top 14 home streak

Bordeaux-Begles concluded Toulouse's impressive 33-match unbeaten streak at home with a narrow 16-12 victory in the Top 14 on Sunday, providing a sense of retribution for their significant loss in the previous season's league final.

Toulouse had maintained an unblemished record at their Stade Ernest-Wallon since a narrow defeat to Stade Francais on February 11, 2022, during which they achieved 31 victories and two draws at home.

"Securing a win here is quite an achievement," remarked Bordeaux-Begles scrum-half Maxime Lucu. "It is a moment to cherish."

Typically, opponents struggle against Toulouse's formidable strength and depth in the latter stages of matches. However, on Sunday, Bordeaux-Begles, who suffered a heavy 59-3 defeat in their inaugural Top 14 final in Marseille last June, showcased disciplined and tenacious defense.

"We had numerous discussions over the summer following the conclusion of the championship," Lucu noted. "We had earmarked the match against Toulouse as a test of our character."

Bordeaux-Begles not only secured a defensive bonus point but also displaced the two-time reigning champions from the top position in the standings. All three teams, including third-placed Toulon, now share 14 points after four matches.

"Many believed we were invincible and destined for greatness," stated Toulouse coach Ugo Mola. "We have now been brought back to reality, which will be welcomed by many, and I must admit that I share that sentiment."

Toulouse began the match with vigor, swiftly moving the ball across the field from an eighth-minute scrum, allowing Thomas Ramos to find Blair Kinghorn racing into open space on the wing.

Kinghorn received a yellow card in the 17th minute for a high tackle on former teammate Arthur Retiere.

Bordeaux-Begles capitalized on the ensuing space, with full-back Louis Bielle-Biarrey weaving through the last two defenders to score in the 21st minute.

Just two minutes later, Bielle-Biarrey assisted Maxime Lucu in securing the lead with a try. Matthieu Jalibert, who had previously converted a penalty, failed to convert either of the tries.

The final score remained unchanged for nearly 50 minutes, with a crucial intervention from Romain Ntamack preventing Toulouse from conceding. He managed to force Enzo Reybier's foot against the touchline just as the young player was about to score.

Toulouse appeared to capitalize on their strength when Peato Mauvaka crossed the try line after 70 minutes, following a powerful driving maul.

This try narrowed the deficit to a single point; however, Ramos failed to convert, which would have allowed Toulouse to take the lead.

In the 75th minute, Mateo Garcia successfully converted a long-range penalty, extending the visitors' lead to four points.

As Toulouse sought a try, Bordeaux-Begles demonstrated resilience, successfully fending off a final, intense assault on their goal line.

"It is not surprising that Bordeaux gave their all," remarked Mola. "When you score only 12 points at home, victory is unlikely."

On Saturday, Toulon achieved a resounding victory over promoted Vannes, winning 54-19 and securing a bonus point, which placed them in a tie for the top of the table. Toulon scored eight tries, with contributions from eight different players.

In another match, Pau moved off the bottom of the standings by defeating Stade Francais 30-16, causing the Parisians to slip into the bottom two.