The Japan Times - Munster wary of 'chaotic' Bordeaux-Begles in Champions Cup quarter-final

Last Saturday, Jack Crowley kicked a late drop goal in a dramatic 25-24 win at La Rochelle, coached by Munster icon Ronan O'Gara, in front of thousands of vocal red-clad travelling fans to reach the quarters.

This weekend the 2006 and 2008 winners, who have only failed to reach the knock-outs four times since the turn of the century, go to Stade Chaban-Delmas to face the locals' star-studded back-line including France wingers Damian Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey.

"Bordeaux-Begles look to play a little bit more chaotic than La Rochelle," Munster defence coach Denis Leamy told reporters on Tuesday.

"These sort of players are very special players and they get them into spaces where they get really threatening and really effective, so that's a challenge for us," he added.

Bordeaux-Begles finished the group stages as top seeds, crossing 33 times in four games and are eyeing a first semi-final since 2021, having only been founded 19 years ago.

They beat Ulster 43-31 last weekend as Penaud scored a record-equalling 11th try in one Champions Cup campaign.

"Anyone who's watched them right throughout the European Cup would be really impressed by what they've done over the last season," Leamy said.

"Their instinct to play running, attacking rugby, to create any sort of opportunity into a score, that's really strong.

"I think that's something that you have to admire and it's for us to try and shut them down," the former Munster and Ireland back-rower added.

- 'Tricks' -

After crossing paths with O'Gara last time out, another former Munster fly-half awaits the Irish side in the next round.

Joey Carbery, who started against Ulster before limping off early in the second half, spent six seasons in western Ireland before moving to France in 2024.

"He's somebody we know very well," Leamy said.

"We know all the qualities that he will bring and the tricks that he possesses," he added.

Elsewhere, four-time winners Leinster host Glasgow on Friday having trounced Harlequins 62-0 thanks to an influential Sam Prendergast.

The Scottish side, United Rugby Championship holders, have never reached the top-tier competition's last four and will be missing flanker Henco Venter due to suspension.

Castres head to Northampton in their first Champions Cup quarter-final since 2002 but will be without centre Adrien Seguret, who has been banned for three weeks for a high tackle in the last 16 win over Treviso.

On Sunday, holders Toulouse travel to three-time champions Toulon, who are hosting a Champions Cup quarter-final for the first time since winning a third straight title in 2015.

Toulouse's last 16 win over Sale on Sunday was delayed for more than 40 minutes after a parachutist was stuck on the stadium roof before being rescued, with tournament organisers inviting the individual to a future match to make up for his bad luck.

Fixtures (times GMT)

Friday

Leinster (IRL) v Glasgow (SCO) (1900)

Saturday

Bordeaux-Begles (FRA) v Munster (IRL) (1400), Northampton (ENG) v Castres (FRA) (1630)

Sunday

Toulon (FRA) v Toulouse (FRA) (1400)

T.Sato--JT