Munster prepare for Champions Cup quarter-final clash with Bordeaux-Begles

Irish giants chase European glory in France after dramatic win over La Rochelle.

Josh Wycherley during a Munster Rugby training session at the University of Limerick in Limerick, Ireland, on April 8, 2025. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Munster prepare for Champions Cup quarter-final clash with Bordeaux-Begles this Saturday, in what promises to be another thrilling encounter in the Irish province’s long-standing love affair with European rugby. Coming off the back of a dramatic 25-24 win against La Rochelle, Munster carry both momentum and belief into a challenging showdown at Stade Chaban-Delmas.

It was just a week ago that Jack Crowley sent Munster fans into raptures with a late drop goal that sealed the victory over La Rochelle. It wasn’t just any win. It was a statement — a hard-fought triumph over a side led by Ronan O'Gara, a Munster legend turned rival coach. The narrow victory silenced the usually dominant French side and reminded everyone of Munster’s pedigree in the Champions Cup.

The result also reaffirmed why Munster remains one of the most respected teams in the competition. With two European titles under their belt (2006 and 2008) and consistent appearances in the knockout stages, this latest chapter has all the ingredients of a classic Munster run. Now, their attention turns to a new French threat in Bordeaux-Begles.

Bordeaux-Begles await on French soil

Stade Chaban-Delmas will be buzzing with anticipation as Bordeaux-Begles welcome the Irish visitors. The Top 14 side finished the group stage as the top seed, putting together a blistering attacking display that saw them cross the try line 33 times in just four games. With French internationals Damian Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey leading a star-studded backline, Bordeaux’s threat is real and present.

Speaking to the press ahead of the clash, Munster defence coach Denis Leamy acknowledged the challenge. “Bordeaux-Begles look to play a little bit more chaotic than La Rochelle,” he said. “These sort of players are very special and they get them into spaces where they become really threatening and really effective, so that’s a challenge for us.”

Bordeaux’s chaotic flair contrasts with La Rochelle’s structured power, giving Munster a whole new set of problems to solve. But if any team knows how to adapt on the European stage, it's Munster.

Red-clad army marching again

One of the defining images from last weekend’s win at La Rochelle was the sea of red filling the stands. Thousands of Munster supporters made the trip to the west coast of France and roared their team to victory. That loyal following is expected to travel again to Bordeaux, ready to fuel another away performance.

For players like Crowley and captain Peter O’Mahony, the support from the terraces has been inspirational. “You feel that energy on the field,” said O’Mahony after the La Rochelle game. “It gives you a lift in the toughest moments.”

Crowley, whose composure under pressure continues to grow with every game, will once again be central to Munster’s hopes. The young fly-half’s ability to control tempo, kick smartly, and make decisive calls is quickly becoming one of Munster’s key assets.

Leamy’s defensive blueprint

While Munster’s attacking flair has drawn praise this season, it’s their defence that has carried them through the toughest matches. Denis Leamy’s system is built on discipline, organisation, and aggression at the breakdown. That will be vital against a Bordeaux side that thrives in broken play and transitions.

Leamy is under no illusions about the scale of the task. “They’ll look to pull us apart,” he said. “So our linespeed, our connections, our decision-making — they all need to be sharp.”

The Munster back row, led by O’Mahony and supported by Gavin Coombes and John Hodnett, will be tasked with slowing down Bordeaux’s quick ball and winning key turnovers. Meanwhile, in the backline, the likes of Antoine Frisch and Shane Daly will need to be alert to offloads and counter-attacks.

Experience meets momentum

This Munster squad blends experience and youth in a way that few other European sides can match. Veterans like O’Mahony, Tadhg Beirne, and Conor Murray provide leadership and composure, while the younger core — Crowley, Hodnett, and Calvin Nash — inject energy and innovation.

Their form coming into the quarter-final is strong. Unbeaten in the Champions Cup since December, Munster are peaking at the right time. That kind of momentum matters in knockout rugby, where belief can often edge out star quality.

The Munster coaching team, led by Graham Rowntree, has also been praised for their preparation and adaptability. They out-coached O’Gara’s La Rochelle last week and now turn their attention to finding ways to disrupt Bordeaux’s rhythm.

The bigger picture: legacy and ambition

For Munster, every Champions Cup run is about more than just titles. It’s about legacy. It’s about writing new stories in a book filled with unforgettable chapters — from Miracle Matches to heroic away wins in France. And it’s about showing that the spirit that defined the team in the 2000s is still alive today.

Winning in Bordeaux won’t be easy. The Top 14 leaders are in form, confident, and playing in front of their home crowd. But Munster has never been afraid of difficult journeys. In fact, they often thrive on them.

Should Munster advance, it would mark another giant step towards reclaiming their status as kings of Europe. It would also prove that this current squad — despite injuries, changes, and doubters — is capable of competing with the continent’s best.

Kick-off and final thoughts

Kick-off at Stade Chaban-Delmas is set for 4:00 p.m. local time on Saturday, and all eyes will be on whether Munster can replicate the intensity, discipline, and drama of last weekend.

As Munster prepare for Champions Cup quarter-final clash with Bordeaux-Begles, their journey is once again capturing the imagination of fans across Ireland and beyond. This is more than just a match. It’s a test of resilience, a celebration of history, and a shot at greatness.

With Crowley’s calm, O’Mahony’s fire, and Leamy’s structure, the pieces are in place. Now it’s time for another chapter — and Munster wouldn’t want it any other way.