Lucu fires warning as Bordeaux chase Leinster shock
SPOTLIGHT: As the final against Leinster approaches this Saturday, Union Bordeaux Bègles captain Maxime Lucu is full of enthusiasm, but remains fully aware of the challenge that awaits his side.
Union Bordeaux Bègles are preparing to play in their second consecutive Champions Cup final after another impressive campaign.
After delivering a top-level season, the Bordeaux club has established itself as one of the benchmark teams in club rugby. Now, Maxime Lucu hopes to help his side continue making history this weekend.
“A second title would mean extending the club’s history even further. Last year, we were so happy and we just didn’t want it to end.
“When you’ve had as many painful final defeats as we have in the past, you just want to relive the emotions the times you do come out on top… that’s what we live for.”
Drawing on the experience gained from their triumph against the Northampton Saints last season, the scrumhalf believes UBB have learned valuable lessons from that first final.
“The first half last year was really tough. They certainly made it tough for us , but at half-time we took a step back and approached the second half differently.
“Our discipline allows us to stay in matches. A Final is also different to prepare for mentally.
“You can’t get ahead of yourself, or think too much about the game; you have to stay focused on everything you do and, above all, remember that these are moments you can’t let slip by,” Lucu explained.
Leinster: A brand new challenge
Despite last season’s title win, the task ahead against Leinster remains daunting.
Back in the Final and chasing a fifth crown, the Irish side have never faced UBB in an official match.
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Aware of the unique nature of this match-up, Lucu remains confident in his side’s chances.
“It’s a team we’ve never played before, so we need to get try and put ourselves in their shoes as much as possible and learn as much as we can about their players.
“We’ve got Noel McNamara, who used to be at Leinster, so he’s got a lot to bring.”
Leinster have not won the competition since 2018, also in Bilbao. Having been beaten by French clubs in the 2022, 2023 and 2024
Finals, the Irish province will surely be driven by a desire for redemption.
However, for Lucu, this does not fundamentally alter UBB’s approach.
“I don’t think it’s an advantage for us that they’ve already lost to French clubs in Finals”, he said.
“Every season starts from scratch, but Leinster have indeed been yearning for this Investec Champions Cup for several seasons now.
“They’ve also already won it in Bilbao (2018), so it’ll bring back good memories to those who were there.”
Source @EPCR
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