In an extraordinary turn of events in the Investec Champions Cup semi-finals, Harlequins bested the French titans Bordeaux-Bègles with a 42-41 triumph at Stade Chaban-Delmas. Despite four unsuccessful previous attempts, the Quins surprised spectators by overpowering a team that had previously outclassed Saracens twice this season, totting up 100 points. After one of the competition’s most exhilarating matches, Harlequins now eagerly anticipate their upcoming semi-final against either Toulouse or Exeter.
Tyrone Green, the Quins’ fullback, delivered the decisive score, yet Bordeaux-Bègles remained in contention until the last minute. However, luck wasn’t on their side, and team captain Maxime Lucu failed to convert a try by Madosh Tambwe in the 76th minute of the game. Harlequins’ victory was a spectacular sight with tries from scrum-half Will Porter, flanker Will Evans and Number 8 Alex Dombrandt; a penalty try also contributed to their win.
Marcus Smith was on point with five conversions, ultimately ensuring Bordeaux’s defeat despite tries from players Lucu, Romain Buros, Nicolas Depoortere, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, and two from Tambwe. Lucu also scored four conversions and a penalty on Bordeaux’s side.
Incredibly, the Quins drew first blood barely three minutes into the game, dumbfounding their French hosts. England flanker Chandler Cunningham-South made an impressive return from injury, carving out opportunities in the French team’s defence before a pass from centre Andre Esterhuizen to Porter resulted in the first scoring pass. Following that, Smith proved pivotal securing a conversion and a crucial penalty try later on when Mateo Garcia was penalised for a deliberate knock-on.
Despite the blistering 30-degree heat and their early setbacks, Bordeaux fought back fiercely after a water break and umbrellas were brought in for refreshment. Lucu’s decisive finish after a close-range lineout marked the start of a resurgence, and a subsequent try from Buros narrowed the score difference to a mere two points.
In a thrilling match, Quins pulled off a stunning try just ten minutes before the first half closed, just as Bordeaux seemed to be taking control. Cadan Murley, the winger, skillfully evaded multiple tackles from Bordeaux, passing to Dombrandt. Dombrandt then passed internally to Porter who swiftly took the opportunity to kick forward, earning his second touchdown. Smith’s successful conversion allowed Quins to surpass 20 points.
Quins concluded the first half brilliantly, demonstrating their scrum dominance twice before Evans scored the fourth try during a driven lineout, which Smith converted. This gave Quins a significant lead at half-time with a score of 28-12.
Bordeaux realised they needed to be the first to score after the break, and in under three minutes, Depoortere accomplished a fantastic solo try. Despite Quins’ defence, Depoortere received a pass mere inches above the ground and went on to score. Lucu’s conversion seem to give Bordeaux a new surge of momentum, with the captain scoring a long-range penalty, which reduced their deficit to just six points halfway through the third quarter.
However, Quins fought back, with Dombrandt scoring their fifth try nearing 60 minutes. Smith’s conversion increased their lead to 35-22, even though Bielle-Biarrey managed to score after the Quins’ defence was fractured. Bordeaux took a hit after Tambwe raced over with a quarter-hour to spare. Lucu’s successful conversion moved Bordeaux into the lead for the first time.
Despite Quins’ hooker Sam Riley losing the ball after a forward drive over the home line, hopes were rejuvenated by Green. Lucu’s missed conversion of Tambwe’s second try boosted these hopes further, and as the clock ran down, Quins could finally rejoice over an extraordinary victory.