Bordeaux end Munster's Champions Cup run with 47-29 quarter-final win

Bordeaux Bègles delivered a commanding performance to defeat Munster 47-29 in the Champions Cup quarter-finals, bringing the Irish province’s European campaign to an end.

Despite a determined second-half comeback, Munster were left with too much ground to cover after a dominant opening 40 minutes from the French hosts.

Bordeaux came flying out of the gates, asserting control early and capitalising on Munster’s poor discipline and set-piece struggles. Their attacking rhythm was relentless, with four first-half tries doing the damage.

Damian Penaud, Maxime Lucu, Pete Samu, and Jon Echegaray all crossed the line as Bordeaux ran riot through broken-field opportunities and wide channels.

Munster struggled to get a foothold, but Alex Nankivell gave the travelling fans something to cheer about before halftime with a try that narrowed the gap slightly.

Still, Bordeaux held a commanding 29-10 lead at the break — a cushion they fully deserved after a sharp and clinical display.

To their credit, Munster roared back into the contest after halftime. Andrew Smith was the standout for the visitors, scoring two tries as they fought to shift momentum. A penalty try further narrowed the gap and brought renewed energy to Munster’s challenge.

However, Bordeaux were not rattled. A powerful maul try from Maxime Lamothe and a final dagger in the form of Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s late score reasserted their dominance.

Even after Cyril Cazeaux was shown a red card, reducing Bordeaux to 13 men late on, Munster couldn't capitalise meaningfully.