Matthieu Jalibert has laid down the challenge to a desperate Leinster side ahead of Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup final in Bilbao.
He’s declared that Bordeaux-Bègles are chasing a second star and another place in European rugby history.
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The France flyhalf says there is no sense of euphoria in the Bordeaux camp as they prepare for a second straight appearance in the showpiece.
“No euphoria,” Jalibert said.
“The group is quite calm, even if we’re excited about this big occasion. We’re trying to stick to our normal preparation and focus only on what we can control.”
Bordeaux stunned Europe by lifting their first Champions Cup title in 2025, and Jalibert believes defending their crown would be an even greater achievement.
“The first title was exceptional,” he said. “To win a second one in a row would be even stronger. Very few clubs have managed that.”
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Jalibert expects a brutal tactical battle against a Leinster side desperate to end a four-year wait for European glory.
“They have many strengths,” he said.
“Their defence is very aggressive. They are excellent at the breakdown, very intense in all the unseen work, strong at set piece and very good in the aerial battle.
“Their strategy against our creativity – that will be the challenge this weekend.”
The French playmaker believes Bordeaux’s best chance lies in embracing the unstructured style that has become their trademark.
“That is part of our DNA,” he said.
“We always try to create chaos. I think we are one of the best teams in Europe in that type of game.”
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Despite Bordeaux’s recent stumbles in the Top 14, Jalibert insists his side know how to raise their standards when it matters most.
“We’ve shown against Toulouse and Bath that we can step up in knockout matches,” he said.
“But it’s not enough to say it. We have to do it.”
Photo: James Crombie/INPHO
The post Jalibert: Bordeaux want a second star appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
