Defending champions Bordeaux Bègles have made it clear they are chasing more than just another Investec Champions Cup title.
Now, Leinster stand between the French giants and a place among European rugby’s elite dynasties.
Saturday’s final in Bilbao pits the reigning champions against a Leinster side desperate to end a painful run of near-misses after losing four Champions Cup finals since their last triumph in 2018.
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Bordeaux coach Yannick Bru believes his side are only at the beginning of something special.
“Our wish since I started is to give Bordeaux Begles something long-lasting,” Bru said this week.
“We’re right at the start, on the cusp of something long-lasting.
“What’s important is to win a final.”
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Bordeaux Bègles, founded only in 2006, are aiming to become just the sixth club to successfully defend their European crown. They arrive in Bilbao unbeaten in this season’s competition after edging English champions Bath in the semi-finals.
The French side’s dangerous spine of Maxime Lucu and Matthieu Jalibert has been central to their rise, with the halfback pairing combining game management and attacking flair to devastating effect.
Bru believes their partnership has reached another level this season.
“I think we have better balance in our team that allows Max and Matthieu to express their talent more,” he said. “There’s an even stronger bond between the two men.”
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Leinster, however, know exactly what is at stake.
The Irish giants are back at San Mames Stadium – the scene of their last Champions Cup triumph seven years ago – but arrive under pressure after another inconsistent Vodacom URC campaign.
Assistant coach Robin McBryde admitted Leinster cannot ignore their recent final failures.
“You can’t hide it under the carpet,” McBryde said. “But listen, we’ve put ourselves in the position time and time again, so we’ve proven that we’re good enough to get to the final.
“It’s been a bit of a rocky road to get to this stage.”
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McBryde also acknowledged the scale of the challenge awaiting them in Bilbao.
“It’s going to be a fantastic occasion for us playing against arguably the best team in the world.”
– AFP
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
