Top 14 Final: Bordeaux-Bègles vs Stade Toulouse
The much-anticipated Top 14 final between Bordeaux-Bègles and Stade Toulouse is set to take place this Friday evening. The suspense surrounding the participation of key players, Matthieu Jalibert and Ben Tameifuna, has finally ended. Despite suffering injuries, both players will start in this historic match for Bordeaux-Bègles.
Matthieu Jalibert's Unexpected Return
Matthieu Jalibert, who had announced the end of his season on Instagram due to a hamstring injury sustained on June 8 against Oyonnax, will surprisingly start in the final. The French international fly-half was initially replaced by young Matéo Garcia in the play-offs and semi-final. However, after a thorough assessment, Jalibert has been deemed fit enough to play, although he may not be at 100%. This decision was confirmed by manager Yannick Bru, who stated, 'The player will decide.'
Ben Tameifuna, another crucial player for Bordeaux-Bègles, also makes a return despite recent injury concerns. The Tongan right pillar was seen with his arm in a sling earlier in the week but participated in training on Thursday. Their presence is vital as Bordeaux-Bègles aims for their first-ever Top 14 title.
Team Compositions and Key Players
Bordeaux-Bègles will field a strong lineup, including their entire international three-quarter line. Maxime Lucu will lead the scrum, with Yoram Moefana and Nicolas Depoortere in the center, and Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Damian Penaud on the wings. The starting XV is completed by Buros, Tatafu, Diaby, Vergnes-Taillefer, Coleman, Cazeaux, Tameifuna, Lamothe, and Poirot. The substitutes include Maynadier, Boniface, Douglas, Bochaton, Samu, Abadie, Uberti, and Taufa.
Stade Toulouse, on the other hand, will enter the match with a relatively unchanged lineup from their semi-final against La Rochelle. Cyril Baille, injured in the semi-final, will be replaced by Rodrigue Neti. Notably, Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack will guide the team from the hinge. Emmanuel Meafou's absence will see Richie Arnold stepping in, and Matthis Lebel and Piula Faasalele, both injured, will be replaced by Clément Vergé and Ange Capuozzo on the bench. The starting XV for Toulouse includes Ramos, Mallia, Chocobares, Ahki, Kinghorn, Ntamack, Dupont, Willis, Roumat, Cros, Flament, Arnold, Aldegheri, Mauvaka, and Neti. The substitutes are J. Marchand, Ainu'u, Vergé, J. Brennan, Graou, Capuozzo, Costes, and Merkler.
- The Top 14 final promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams fielding their best possible lineups despite injury setbacks. Bordeaux-Bègles, making their first appearance in a Top 14 final, will rely heavily on the experience and skill of players like Matthieu Jalibert and Ben Tameifuna.
- Stade Toulouse, a team with a rich history of success in the Top 14, will look to leverage their experience and the leadership of Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack. With both teams eager to clinch the title, fans can expect an intense and closely contested match.
- The match will kick off at 9:05 p.m., and rugby enthusiasts around the world will be watching to see if Bordeaux-Bègles can make history or if Stade Toulouse will add another title to their impressive record.
