Damian Penaud scored six tries for Bordeaux Begles as the Sharks exited the Investec Champions Cup on Sunday with a crushing defeat at Stade Chaban-Delmas.
Penaud dotted down three times either side of half time as the Sharks went down 66-12 in the southwest of France. Needing a win, draw or a defeat by 27 points or less if they failed to pick up a bonus point to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions Cup, the Sharks will now contest the EPCR Challenge Cup playoffs as defending champions.
An impressive Hakeem Kunene try and seven points from flyhalf Siya Masuku powered the visitors into an early lead, but a first-half hat-trick from France flyer Penaud and the boot of Matthieu Jalibert gave the home side a handy 19-12 half-time lead.
Masuku finished off some good interplay between centres Francois Venter and Jurenzo Julius before Kunene – who was promoted from the bench to fullback in a late backline reshuffle with right winger Yaw Penxe and the absent Eduan Keyter – soared over out wide.
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Sharks bite early 🦈@SharksRugby’ Siya Masuku and Hakeem Kunene get over the line, as they go 14 points up on Union Bordeaux Bègles 🔥
Watch LIVE on @beinsports_FR, @SuperSportTV, @PremSportsTV and @FloRugby 📺 #InvestecChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/I56jjfxw3q
— Investec Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) January 19, 2025
Bordeaux secured their four-try bonus point soon after the break when skipper Maxime Lucu raced away to dot down under the uprights. Jalibert made no mistake with the third of his eight conversions in the match.
Penaud’s fourth, fifth and sixth touchdowns, sandwiched by scores from replacements Ugo Boniface, Jacques Nguimbous and inside centre Yoram Moefana, capped off an emphatic win for Yannick Bru’s charges, who will progress to the knockout stages as the top seeds in Pool 1.
The Sharks return to Vodacom URC action on Saturday when they face Welsh outfit Cardiff at Arms Park, while Bordeaux host Lyon in the Top 14. The round of 16 of the Challenge Cup and Champions Cup is scheduled for the weekend of 4 to 6 April.
