Bordeaux Bègles vs Bristol Bears
This match promises to be one of the most exciting matches as both these teams love nothing more than to throw the ball around the park. All eyes will be on Fijian Superstar Semi Radradra who will be returning to his former club and will want to show that Bordeaux made a mistake by letting him go. Bristol Bears have had a fairytale story because just 3 years ago they were promoted to the English Premiership and in just their first appearance in the European Challenge Cup they ended up being champions. They have invested heavily by signing big name players like Radradra, Nathan Hughes and Charles Piutau and its paying dividends now. Playing away in France is difficult but the empty stadium will boost the Bears. They showed last year when they beat Toulon in France that they have the class of players to overcome any obstacle even away from home. The flyhalf battle between the Wales number 10 Callum Sheedy and France flyhalf Mathieu Jalibert will go a long way to deciding who the winner will be. The bookies have Bordeaux as slight favourite because of home ground advantage but this Bristol team can win away from home.
TIP: The experience gained from winning in Europe last season will be invaluable to this Bristol team and they have proven match winners in Piutau and Radradra. The Bristol scrum must stand up to the French otherwise this will be a bridge to far to cross. Both the teams need to be in highly disciplined as the goal kickers in this match hardly miss a shot. Due to Bristol having shown their pedigree in Europe last season I’m going for a narrow Bristol win and the best odds on this are at Sunbet 1.96, Supabets 2.06 and Worldsportsbetting has them at 2.00
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Bordeaux Bègles vs Bristol Bears
- There was only 1 previous meeting between these two sides and that match ended in a draw but Bristol won it 37-20 after extra time.
Latest results for both teams
Bordeaux Bègles lost their last match to La Rochelle 11-20 while Bristol won their last match against Harlequins 35-33.
PREDICTION
The French side relies too much on Jalibert and no doubt the Bristol team management will try to mark him out the game although that is difficult. Bristol don’t have over reliance on one player but have threats all round the team with flanker Ben Earl a real dangerman as he is powerful of the scrums and mauls. He is not only powerful but as fast as any backline player. It’s all these factors that make me think the Bears will win a tight encounter by less than 6 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Bordeaux Bègles
15 R Buros, 14 B Delguy, 13 J Dubie, 12 P Uberti, 11 B Lam, 10 M Jalibert, 9 M Luca, 8 S Higginbotham, 7 M Diaby, 6 G Petti, 5 J Marais, 4 C Cazeaux , 3 V Cobilas,2 M Lamothe, 1 T Paiva,
Bristol Bears
15 Charles Piutau, 14 Luke Morahan, 13 Semi Radradra, 12 Piers O’Conor, 11 Siva Naulago, 10 Callum Sheedy, 9 Andy Uren, 8 Nathan Hughes, 7, Ben Earl 6 Steven Luatua (c), 5 Chris Vui, 4 Dave Attwood, 3 John Afoa, 2 Bryan Byrne, 1 Jake Woolmore
Odds for this bet
The game will be tight but the Bristol Bears replacements will carry them to a hard fought victory. The best value on a Bristol win is listed below:
Supabets 2.06
Worldsportsbetting 2.00
Sunbet 1.96
Odds comparison on a Bristol win
The best odds on a Bristol win are as follows: Sunbet 1.96, Supabets 2.06 and Worldsportsbetting has them at 2.00
Predictions and Odds in details
Bordeaux Bègles rightly start this game as slight favourites and last year Bristol was taken to extra time by Bordeaux while playing at home. Bristol eventually won that game in extra time and this time around I think they will seal the victory in the last 20 minute as Bordeaux Bègles do not have the firepower on the bench that Bristol possesses. The Bristol win is value for money at the bookies with most sites giving you better than even money return. The best odds on a Bristol win are as follows: Playabets 2.07, Supabets 2.06 and Worldsportsbetting has them at 2.00
Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
