Champions Cup
Bordeaux (24) 50
Tries: Rayasi 3, Page-Relo, Woki 3, Jalibert Cons: Page-Relo 5
Northampton (7) 28
Tries: Pollock 2, Freeman, Fischetti Cons: Belleau 4
Prem leaders Northampton were handed a European lesson by Champions Cup holders Bordeaux in a repeat of last year’s final.
Saints lost 28-20 in May’s tight and ill-tempered Cardiff showpiece but were blown away this time by a brilliant eight-try performance from the hosts in an electric atmosphere.
Star Saints back row Henry Pollock was booed throughout by a passionate home support after his part in a final-whistle scuffle in Cardiff.
The flamboyant flanker had his moments, scoring twice, but it was Bordeaux who surged on to ruthlessly exploit a gulf in class.
The French side were quicker, stronger and far more creative as they put on a clinical display, with Fiji full-back Salesi Rayasi and forward Cameron Woki both scoring hat-tricks.
More to follow.
Bordeaux: Rayasi; Penaud, Depoortere, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey; Jalibert, Page-Relo; Poirot, Lamothe (capt), Sadie, Coleman, Cazeaux, Du Preez, Woki, Matiu.
Replacements: Barlot, Perchaud, Tameifuna, Palu, Vergnes-Taillefer, Retiere, Carbery, Janse van Rensburg.
Sin-bin: Retiere (74)
Northampton: Hendy; Sleightholme, Freeman, Hutchinson, Todaro; Smith, Mitchell; Fischetti, Wright, Davison, Coles, Van der Mescht, Chick (capt), Pearson, Pollock.
Replacements: Smith, Iyogun, Millar-Mills, Prowse, Munga, Graham, McParland, Ramm.
Sin-bin: Fischetti (17 mins), Hutchinson (26 mins)
