Damian Penaud pulls off incredible moment of skill against Leicester

Bordeaux-Begles overcame a first-half deficit to get their Investec Champions Cup campaign off to the perfect start with a 42 – 28 win over the Leicester Tigers.

In the first half, Michael Cheika’s Tigers gave their hosts all they could handle. They were in impervious form and held a deserved 21 – 14 lead.

Hitting the front through Harry Wells in the 5th minute, the Tigers showed they had come to play. The scores would be all square just one minute later, as former Wallaby Pete Samu had dotted down for the home side.

Less than ten minutes later, the Tigers would regain the lead through winger Josh Basset,t who showed great strength to finish from close range despite the attention of multiple Bordeaux defenders.

Once again, the home side would strike back, this time through Argentina international Guido Petti, who drove over from a line-out.

Leicester would have the last laugh in the first stanza when their Frenchman Come Joussain muscled over from close range.

Clearly, getting the hairdryer treatment at half-time from their coaching staff, a point which was confirmed by Scotland international Jonny Gray, Bordeaux came out swinging.

Scoring three tries in the space of six minutes through Louis Bielle-Biarrey (2) and Pete Samu, the home side took a commanding fourteen-point lead.

Sealing the deal with eight minutes to play, French international centre Nicolas Depoortère raced away for a superb try.

The Tigers would show their gumption to leave Bordeaux with a log point when Hanro Liebenberg, who was exceptional all afternoon, broke through multiple tackles to get to the try line. Not quite able to finish the move, Liebenberg was supported by Wallaby centre Izaia Perese, who barged over for the final try of the match.

Whilst some of the tries that were scored will rightly garner the headlines, a moment of skill from French internationals Damian Penaud and Mathieu Jalibert caught our eye.

Under pressure from Liebenberg, who made an impressive break down the left-hand flank before kicking forward, Penaud edged the backrow for pace.

Showing incredible clarity of thought whilst racing back, Penaud tapped the ball back to Jalbiert with his boot. From here, the flyhalf ran forward, found support, and Bordeaux cleared their lines.

As cool as you like from Penaud to Jalibert…@UBBrugby are a different animal this season.#InvestecChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/ZKgXQMlqdw

— Philip Bendon (@PBendon) December 8, 2024