The Japan Times - 'Expectations high' for Bordeaux-Begles' Champions Cup hat-trick bid, says Depoortere

The French side won their first major title in the 2024 Champions Cup before successfully defending their crown last season.

Toulon are the only club to have won the tournament in three successive years, between 2013 and 2015, with a squad including England great Jonny Wilkinson and ex-Australia back Matt Giteau.

"We're going into this competition with two trophies already, so expectations will be high," 23-year-old France international Depoortere told AFP.

"It's going to be another great tournament; every team will be determined to win it.

"We're preparing well too, so now, may the best team win."

Bordeaux-Begles have started the season well, sitting in third place in the French Top 14 table.

Despite minor adjustments in the coaching set-up, their squad remains largely the same from last term.

Depoortere is part of a dynamic back-line including France winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey and captain and scrum-half Maxime Lucu.

Bordeaux-Begles' pack boasts giant Tonga prop Ben Tameifuna and in-form English No. 8 Tom Willis, who has rejoined from Saracens.

"Every year the deck is reshuffled -- there are changes (at other teams) in both coaching and playing staff," said Depoortere.

"As for us, we're finding stability within the group."

- Pool-stage format tweaks -

The new edition of the Champions Cup will see a change to the bonus-point system.

Teams will earn an attacking bonus point if they score three tries or more than their opponent, rather than for scoring four tries in total in a game.

Additionally, the four teams to join the top three from each pool in the last 16 will be the clubs with the highest number of points across all groups.

Previously, the top four in each of the four pools progressed to the knockout phase.

Bordeaux-Begles' main rivals for the title are expected to be fellow French clubs Toulouse and Montpellier, English champions Northampton and last season's Champions Cup runners-up Leinster.

"This competition is difficult," Depoortere said.

"There are some little rule changes to take into account."

The trip to Kingsholm Stadium to face English Prem leaders Gloucester will provide Bordeaux-Begles a stern early test.

They are eyeing a record-breaking 17th successive victory in the competition, currently sharing the longest winning run with La Rochelle.

"We know that if we win at Gloucester, we'll make European Cup history because it's never been done before and, given the incredibly high level of competition, who knows if anyone will ever repeat the feat in the future," added Depoortere.

"I hope to play a part in that and help write the club's name into the European Cup record books."

Gloucester have made several signings during the summer, including experienced Wales duo Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan, ex-England scrum-half Dan Robson and South Africa lock Jean Kleyn.

"Gloucester have made a lot of signings," Depoortere said. "They're top of the table, I think it will be a good match."

K.Inoue--JT