Bath Rugby’s European journey ended in the semi-finals of the Investec Champions Cup with a 38-26 defeat to reigning champions Bordeaux-Begles at Stade Atlantique Bordeaux Metropole.
Bordeaux made an early statement, scoring inside two minutes through Marko Gazzotti following a slick backline move. Bath responded with tries from Ben Spencer and Will Muir, the latter converting a superb cross-field kick from captain Spencer. However, Bordeaux capitalised on Bath’s errors, with Louis Bielle-Biarrey scoring their second try.
Bath kept fighting back. Will Muir scored his second try after a dazzling break by Louie Hennessey, but Bordeaux finished the first half strong with Maxime Luca’s try and a penalty from man of the match Maxime Luca, leading 24-12 at halftime.
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The second half started well for Bath as Louie Hennessey showcased his speed and composure to score a deserved try. Yet, Bordeaux punished Bath’s mistakes late in the game with tries from Ben Tameifuna and Temo Matiu, sealing the victory. Tom Carr-Smith grabbed a consolation try to close Bath’s campaign on a fighting note.
Highlighting individual performances, winger Will Muir was outstanding, scoring twice and dominating aerially before a tough injury forced him off. Louie Hennessey’s star shone brightly in a breakout performance, earning top marks for his decisive plays and try.
Captain Ben Spencer featured strongly with accurate kicking, while fly-half Finn Russell showed flair despite some overplaying. The forwards worked hard, particularly Josh Bayliss, Thomas du Toit, and Charlie Ewels, though Bath’s discipline lapses at times proved costly. Alfie Barbeary struggled, marked by dropped balls and errors that hampered Bath’s momentum.
Replacements like Kepu Tuipulotu and Sam Underhill made valuable contributions, but Bath ultimately fell short against a clinical Bordeaux side, extending their wait for a second Champions Cup title.