Match Centre: Champions Cup: Exeter Chiefs 17 - 69 Bordeaux Begles

Exeter Chiefs 17 - 69 Bordeaux Begles, Sandy Park

Bordeaux Begles delivered a stunning performance at Sandy Park, scoring 11 tries to claim a dominant 69-17 victory over Exeter Chiefs in Round Three of the Investec Champions Cup.

The French side showcased their attacking flair, leaving the home side struggling to match their pace and precision.

The match opened with a sensational try from Exeter’s debutant Paul Brown-Bampoe, who intercepted a loose ball near his own try line and sprinted the length of the field to score. The crowd roared in approval as the Chiefs took an early lead.

However, Bordeaux responded emphatically, with Yoram Moefana breaking through the defense to set up Maxime Lucu for the visitors’ first try, which was converted by Mathieu Jalibert. Minutes later, Lucu offloaded to Damian Penaud, who glided over for Bordeaux's second try.

Bordeaux's relentless attack continued as Penaud returned the favor, assisting Lucu for his second try. Jalibert’s conversion extended the lead.

Louis Bielle-Biarrey added the bonus-point try just before halftime, capitalizing on a quick tap penalty and breaking through Exeter’s defense. Bordeaux hooker Maxime Lamothe then rounded off the half with a powerful maul try, giving the visitors a commanding 31-5 lead at the break.

The second half began with heartbreak for Exeter as Penaud scored again following a clever chip at the corner flag. Brown-Bampoe added a second try for the Chiefs after a well-executed lineout move, but Bordeaux quickly responded through Cyril Cazeaux and Bielle-Biarrey, with Jalibert orchestrating the attacks.

Further tries from Jalibert and Yann Lesgourgues widened the gap, with Penaud completing his hat-trick late in the game. Despite a red card for Bordeaux’s Toma Taufa for a high tackle, Exeter managed a late consolation try through Ben Hammersley.

The match ended with Bordeaux sealing a resounding 69-17 win, leaving Exeter Chiefs with much to ponder as Bordeaux’s clinical performance underscored their intent in the Champions Cup.

Exeter Chiefs: Wyatt; Hammersley, Wimbush, Tua, Brown-Bampoe; Slade, Townsend, Sio, Frost, Iosefa-Scott, Jenkins (capt), Molina, E Roots, Vermeulen, Fisilau.

Reserves: Norey, Goodrick-Clarke, J Roots, Tuima, Tshiunza, Cairns, Haydon-Wood, Rigg.

Bordeaux: Buros; Penaud, Moefana, Van Rensburg, Uberti; Jalibert, Lucu (capt); Boniface, Lamothe, Sadie, Petti, Cazeaux, Swinton, Matiu, Tatafu.

Reserves: Latterrade, Poirot, Taufa, Ricard, Gazzotti, Vergnes-Taillefer, Bielle-Biarrey, Lesgourgues.