Maxime Lucu delivered a captain’s performance as Bordeaux Bègles powered into the Investec Champions Cup semi-finals with a dramatic win over Toulouse.
Trailing 15-5, Bordeaux flipped the script in emphatic fashion, storming back to claim a famous 30-15 victory in a quarter-final that lived up to its blockbuster billing.
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Lucu controlled the tempo throughout the comeback, earning Man of the Match honours, while the likes of Cameron Woki, Matthieu Jalibert and Louis Bielle-Biarrey delivered decisive moments.
But it was the skipper who set the tone.
“We play rugby to live moments like these. We prepare for entire weeks for this,” Lucu said post-match.
“These aren’t easy matches to go through emotionally, but they’re unbelievable moments. Today, we really enjoyed ourselves, just like the Bordeaux fans did.”
Lucu was quick to highlight the impact of his pack in turning the game.
“They’re the ones who turned things around today. Our forwards were incredible.”
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The result sees Bordeaux advance to a semi-final showdown with Bath – another massive test against a side in red-hot form.
“They’re a side that have improved tremendously over the last two years.
“It’ll be another huge challenge. When we saw the draw, we knew the run would be very tough.”
Photo: James Crombie/INPHO
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