Bordeaux put Bears through the mixer

BORDEAUX-Begles confirmed their status as dangerous floaters in this year’s Champions Cup but there was no disgrace in defeat for a very makeshift Bristol Bears.

- BRENDAN GALLAGHER

The talented French outfit, with a back division to match any club side in the world, purred nicely when they needed too in scoring five tries and their home tie against Saracens in the new year will be one to savour. We will know more about their pack after that.

Bristol though will be happy enough. After a flying start first up in Europe last week against Lyon and with a vital Premiership match at Newcastle on Friday, Pat Lam decided to send what in cricket we would call a club and ground side down to Bordeaux. You can only go to the well so often and this was the match he decided to sit out his Gun XV.

Those who travelled generally did well. They never threatened a miracle win but nor did they capitulate against a team who can run up big scores given half a chance.