Somerset Daily | Latest news, sports, events and business from Somerset | Bath Rugby Player Ratings from Bordeaux-Bègles Defeat

Bath Rugby’s journey in the Investec Champions Cup came to a close in the semi-finals following a 38-26 loss to reigning champions Bordeaux-Bègles at Stade Atlantique Bordeaux Métropole.

The hosts set the tone early with a slick backline move, scoring within two minutes through Marko Gazzotti. Bath responded with tries from Ben Spencer and Will Muir, the latter capitalising on a brilliant cross-field kick from his captain.

Bordeaux exploited Bath’s errors to score their second try via Louis Bielle-Biarrey, once again finding space in the wide channels. Bath fought back, with Muir securing a brace after a dazzling break from Louie Hennessey.

Despite Bath’s efforts, Bordeaux closed the first half strongly, finishing with a try from Maxime Luca and a late penalty by player of the match Matthieu Jalibert, extending their lead to 24-12.

Bath began the second half positively as Hennessey showcased his skill, weaving past tacklers to score. However, Bordeaux capitalised on Bath’s mistakes, scoring twice more through Ben Tameifuna and Temo Matiu, sealing the victory at 38-19.

A late consolation try from Tom Carr-Smith ended Bath’s European campaign, but their quest for a second Champions Cup star continues.

Rugby writer Sam Jess analyzes the individual performances:

Santiago Carreras – 6
Key in the kicking duel, Carreras showed pace and made important tackles despite being caught narrow in defence. He spilled a difficult pass over the try line but created the break for Bath’s final try.
Henry Arundell – 7
Defended resolutely against Louis Bielle-Biarrey and made a sensational cover tackle on Matthieu Jalibert. Created a try with a classic break and chip kick, nearly scoring himself.
Louie Hennessey – 8
A star is born. The young Welsh international grew into the game with a break that nearly resulted in a try and then assisted Will Muir’s score. Scored a composed try in the second half, cutting into Bordeaux’s lead.
Ollie Lawrence – 6
Caught out as last defender early on but improved with ball in hand. Made a crucial pass setting up Hennessey but also conceded a costly maul infringement.
Will Muir – 9
Held width excellently, scoring twice and dominating in the air. His finishing ability was impressive, though his game ended prematurely due to injury.
Finn Russell – 6
Displayed sharp passing and tactical kicking but occasionally overplayed, leading to turnovers.
Ben Spencer (c) – 7
Despite late fitness concerns, Spencer orchestrated play with accurate box kicks and a brilliant cross-field kick for a try.
Beno Obano – 6
Returned from injury showing strong scrummaging.
Tom Dunn – 6
Made vital defensive plays but a dropped ball led to Bordeaux’s third try.
Thomas du Toit – 7
Dominant in the scrum and defense, showing great stamina over 73 minutes.
Quinn Roux – 6
Impressive in carrying with strong physicality.
Charlie Ewels – 7
Key in the engine room but received a yellow card for a maul infringement.
Josh Bayliss – 8
Marked his 150th Bath appearance with relentless work rate and lineout success.
Guy Pepper – 7
Energetic across the pitch but conceded penalties at the breakdown.
Alfie Barbeary – 4
Struggled with errors, including dropped kicks and a fumble near the try line, hindering Bath’s momentum.

Replacements:

Kepu Tuipulotu – 7
Brought energy but affected by lineout misthrows.
Francois van Wyk – 7
Solid scrummaging performance off the bench.
Ted Hill – 6
Made contributions but was penalized late for illegal play.
Sam Underhill – 7
Strong defensive presence forcing errors.
Tom Carr-Smith – N/A
Scored a late try, capitalizing on a chip kick.
Miles Reid – 8
Effective at the breakdown though penalized for a maul entry.

Bath showed courage and standout performances, especially from Louie Hennessey and Will Muir, but ultimately Bordeaux’s clinical execution secured their place in the final.

Bath Rugby Player Ratings from Bordeaux-Bègles Defeat - ‘A Star is Born’