Investec Champions Cup: Bordeaux 41-42 Harlequins – Quins win thriller to reach semi-finals

Home » Investec Champions Cup: Bordeaux 41-42 Harlequins – Quins win thriller to reach semi-finals
Investec Champions Cup quarter-final
Bordeaux: (12) 41
Tries: Lucu, Buros, Depoortere, Bielle-Biarrey, Tambwe (2) Pen: Lucu Cons: Lucu (4)
Harlequins: (28) 42
Tries: Porter (2), Evans, Dombrandt, Green, Penalty Cons: Smith (5)

Harlequins held on to beat Bordeaux-Begles in a thrilling match as they reached the semi-finals of the Investec Champions Cup for the first time.

The lead changed several times in the second half but Tyrone Green’s try, converted by Marcus Smith, proved to be enough despite the hosts scoring again.

Madosh Tambwe grabbed his second try but Maxime Lucu missed the conversion that would have brought victory.

Quins will face Toulouse or Exeter in the semi-finals.

Bordeaux had thrashed Premiership champions Saracens twice during this season’s Champions Cup and were big favourites to win at Stade Chaban-Delmas.

But in an incredible game of 12 tries, Harlequins showed superb resilience in the second half after Bordeaux fought back from a 28-12 half-time deficit to lead with 15 minutes to go.

“I am just so proud of them, not surprised, because I know the capability of the group,” said director of rugby Billy Millard. “It was quite emotional for us.”

Quins captain Stephan Lewies added: “The job is not done yet.

“There is so much room for improvement, and as much as we will enjoy this there is more in the group.

“Days like this don’t happen often. A few beers now, and then we will be back in.”

Resilient Quins seal epic win

Two early scores gave Quins a 14-0 lead, with Smith converting the first of Will Porter’s two tries before a penalty try was awarded for a deliberate knock-on by Bordeaux’s Pablo Uberti.

Lucu and Romain Buros then crossed to reduce Quins’ lead to two points but Porter then added a brilliant second after a chip-and-chase.

Will Evans added another try and, when Smith landed his fourth successful conversion on the half-time whistle, Harlequins were 28-12 ahead.

Bordeaux’s Nicolas Depoortere grabbed his side’s third try early in the second half after the centre’s sublime take just above his boots, and a Lucu penalty made it 28-22 to Quins.

Alex Dombrandt scored Quins’ fifth try off the back of a line-out, but Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s converted try reduced the gap again.

The home side took the lead for the first time when Bielle-Biarrey collected his own kick ahead before feeding substitute Tambwe for his first try, but Quins hit back once more when Green dotted down.

Smith’s conversion gave Quins a six-point lead at 42-36 with only a few minutes remaining, but when Tambwe touched down near to the posts to give Lucu an easier looking conversion, it looked like the hosts would reach their second Champions Cup semi-final.

But the Bordeaux captain’s kick was just to the wrong side of the right-hand post and Quins were able to see out a frantic final two minutes to seal an epic win that clinched their spot in the last four for the first time.

Line-ups

Bordeaux: Buros; Uberti, Depoortere, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey; Garcia, Lucu (capt); Kaulashvili, Lamothe, Tameifuna, Cazeaux, Coleman, Miquel, Samu, Tatafu.

Replacements: Maynadier, Boniface, Sadie, Douglas, Petti, Vergnes-Taillefer, Lesgourgues, Tambwe.

Harlequins: T Green; Lynagh, Beard, Esterhuizen, Murley; Smith, Porter; Baxter, Walker, Collier, Herbst, Lewies (capt), Cunningham-South, W Evans, Dombrandt.

Replacements: Riley, Kerrod, Lewis, Trenholm, Hammond, M Green, J Evans, Northmore.

Referee: Andrea Piardi (Ita)

Recent Comments

No comments to show.

100% match bonus based on first deposit of £/$/€20+. Additional bonuses.

T&Cs Apply

New players only. Welcome Bonus - 100% bonus on your first deposit up to €/$/£200 Unless otherwise stated. This bonus only applies for deposits of €/$/£10 or higher! All you need to do is just deposit the money in your website.com account and you will receive this bonus instantly!

*New users only

casinosingaporesite.com is an independent source of information about online casinos and online casino games, not controlled by any gambling operator. All our reviews and guides are created honestly, according to the best knowledge and judgement of the members of our independent expert team; however, they are intended for informative purposes only and should not be construed as, nor relied upon as, legal advice. You should always make sure that you meet all regulatory requirements before playing in any selected casino. Copyright ©2023