The Pau Section, or Bearnais, aims to leverage their attacking prowess in the Champions Cup, targeting the final phase with a focus on offensive efficiency and continuity.
Pau Section's attacking goals
The Pau Section, known as the Bearnais, plans to use its strong attacking performance from the Top 14 to compete in the Champions Cup. They scored 32 tries for 239 points this season and aim to keep this level of efficiency in the new competition. Champions Cup debut and first match
The Bearnais will start their Champions Cup campaign on Sunday, October 18, with a match against the Leicester Tigers at the Stade du Hameau. Leicester is currently fourth in the Premiership and has a slight scoring advantage this season. Focus on established playing identity
Julien Sarraute, who oversees the team's attack, highlighted the Bearnais’ established playing identity built over several seasons. He mentioned that manager Sébastien Piqueronies has set clear goals for the season, including maintaining continuous play in the opposing defense. Strategic emphasis on turnover and scoring
The Bearnais aim to capitalize on every turnover through strong defensive pressure. This strategy was evident in recent matches against Vannes and Castres. They score after an average of 2.8 phases of play, though they recognize the need to improve slightly compared to top teams. New talent and team dynamics
Rodrigo Marta, a new addition to the squad, is the top try-scorer in the championship with six tries. Julien Sarraute praised the team's talent, speed, and ability to work together, emphasizing the importance of shared understanding among players. Champions Cup advantages and legacy
The Champions Cup offers more playing time than the Top 14, which suits the Bearnais' attacking style. The club, with a history of French championships and European titles, aims to blend its legacy with modern strategies in the competition.
