Bielle-Biarrey hat-trick denies Bristol top spot

Investec Champions Cup

Bristol (5) 15

Oghre, Jan van Rensburg Con: Worsley Pen: Worsley

Bordeaux (17) 27

Bristol Bears suffered a heartfelt defeat at Ashton Gate against Bordeaux, which would have guaranteed them a home tie in the last 16 and top spot in their Champions Cup pool.

Louis Bielle-Biarrey, a winger from France, scored a hat-trick for the French side in the game’s final try.

Gabriel Oghre, a hooker, gave the hosts the lead before Bielle-Biarrey’s two tries and Nicolas Depoortere’s one helped put the visitors in command.

The final fifteen minutes of Benhard Janse van Rensburg’s try were thrilling, and Sam Worsley’s penalty brought the lead back within five points.

However, Bordeaux, like true champions, snatched a crucial late bonus-point attempt to advance as number one seeds.

Former Bordeaux hooker Oghre was given a quick start, and Harry Randall’s quick tap penalty gave the hosts a dream opening.

When Matthieu Jalibert released the flyer Bielle-Biarrey, the high-scoring visitors reacted.

The Bears’ handling in wet conditions later cost them, as Bielle-Biarrey punished a loose pass before Depoortere’s score was ruined by yet another error.

In a slower second half, the ball was diverted by the powerful defense and Ellis Genge, who appeared to be headed over.

Janse van Rensburg created a thrilling conclusion by cutting a short line and extending.

Bordeaux were awarded three points after the restart, but a typo from the restart came shortly after Worsley’s penalty had brought them back within striking distance.

Bielle-Biarrey was the one who could not escape their own half, and he threw a loose ball at the death, kicking it through and stumbling down for victory.