2023-12-09 22:23:21
For its first Champions Cup match in its history, Aviron Bayonnais obtained a draw on the Munster pitch (17-17).
Tops
Rowing close to the feat
If they came very close to victory on Saturday evening, the Basques’ performance alone can be considered an achievement. To understand it, we need to provide a little context. The Bayonnais were playing the first Champions Cup match in their history, facing an opponent who was supposedly much superior. Double European champions in 2006 and 2008, the Irish hosted this meeting at the legendary Thomond Park stadium. A trip which did not scare the visitors, who put in a high-flying second period. A prestigious draw, worthy of entering the annals of the club.
Baget in all the good moves
What a performance from the Basque winger this evening! Starting on the left wing, the Bayonne wisp was dominant in his team’s two attempts. On Tagi’s first try, he breaks a tackle and allows his team to stay ahead. And above all, he scored his team’s second try (76th) thanks to a dive into the Munster goal. The icing on the cake, the Blue and White made 10 tackles out of eleven attempted, and covered 50 meters with ball in hand. A boss’ match, which allowed his team to achieve its first European victory.
Flops
Munster is no longer scary
The time when Munster frightened Europe is long gone. The 2006 and 2008 vintage European champion conceded a draw on his home turf against a European rookie. A performance in line with the previous edition, where the Irish came out after a play-off match for third place against the Sharks (50-35). In the league, they let their long-time enemy, Leinster, take a six-point lead. In the second half, they were often put in great difficulty, and conceded a 14 to 3. A nervousness which was sometimes expressed by bad gestures, like the unnecessary shoulder blow inflicted by Wycherlay on Baget.
The Bayonnais too undisciplined
If the Bayonnais produced a great performance on Saturday evening, one statistic nevertheless qualifies this good result. Against Munster, Rowing was penalized fourteen times. Too many times to hope for success in the most prestigious European competition. If their opponents did not always make the right choices, often abandoning points in favor of penalties, this indiscipline could have been costly. A defect that will have to be erased when we host the Glasgow Warriors on December 15.
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