Bordeaux faces squad challenges

The reigning double champions from Bordeaux are set to enter the Champions Cup with significant squad shortages and notable absences. They will begin their season with an away match against Gloucester at the English team's home ground, Kingsholm.

Key players may return

On Friday at 9 p.m., the Bordeaux team will have the opportunity to reclaim their title. Key players such as Ben Tameifuna may return to form and could start on the right side of the scrum. However, the situation at fly-half remains uncertain, as Hugo Reus will be rested after suffering a concussion last weekend, and it is difficult to say which player will wear the number 10 jersey.

Fly-half position uncertain

Arthur Retière seems to have filled in at Clermont, taking on the fly-half position due to the absence of Matthieu Jalibert and the uncertainty surrounding Hugo Reus. The latter could be sidelined for this jersey, with discussions at this position concerning him and captain Maxime Lucu, who has also stepped in at fly-half.

Youth academy talents

Bordeaux has young talents in its youth academy, but it is not certain that Yannick Bru will start with Louis Favreau in the Champions Cup. The 18-year-old still played last season's final of the French Espoirs championship with the Crabos. Although talented, the young man who was trained in the Bordeaux suburbs at the Ambarès/Saint-Loubès joint club will probably not be starting, especially since Matthieu Jalibert could be in the squad, as reported by the press.

Squad updates and injuries

Up front, Bordeaux has the return of its props Carlu Sadie and Ben Tameifuna, an opportunity, perhaps, to give Sipili Falatea a rest. The Gironde bulldozer could therefore be starting. In addition, L’Équipe reports the absences of Damian Penaud and Cyril Cazeaux at training this week. At the same time, Adam Coleman has rejoined the group, perhaps a bit short on preparation to face Gloucester.

Gloucester's strong form

Gloucester is appearing at their home ground in strong offensive form: the English team scored 48 points against Harlequins and 45 against Exeter this season in the Premiership, and they have won their last five home matches. The Bordeaux team has struggled away from their home ground in the Top 14, having been defeated at Toulouse, Perpignan, and Toulon, and only managing to win by a narrow margin against Clermont last weekend. Add to that the fact that Gloucester has won the last two encounters in the Champions Cup against Bordeaux in 2022-23, and the English team are presenting themselves as a genuinely dangerous opponent for the reigning champions.