It's hot, very hot this Saturday in Bordeaux. More than 30 degrees! Engaged in the quarter-final of the Champions Cup, against Harlequins, the players of Union Bordeaux-Bègles are suffering on their pitch in Chaban-Delmas, as the heat is overwhelming. The 15 starters were, however, able to count on their replacement teammates to try to refresh their ideas.
From the 16th minute, when UBB had already conceded two tries and was chasing the score, a first cool-down break was called. In addition to the cans and bags of ice cubes, placed at the necks of the players, the substitutes entered the pitch with pink and black umbrellas to shelter their teammates for a few minutes. A rather original scene but which obviously did good to the Bordelais, who scored a first try five minutes later via Maxime Lucu.
These six umbrellas did not, however, prevent a barrage of tries from Harlequins. After Will Porter's first try, and a penalty try in the 9th minute, the English scrum half completed the double in the 30th minute. Third row Will Evans delivered the final blow after the siren, giving himself a sixteen-point lead (12-28) and forcing Bordeaux to put in a strong second half to reach the semi-finals.