Marta Double Helps Pau Open Champions Cup Campaign with Bonus-Point Win over Leicester

Pau Leicester Champions Cup — Pau began their Investec Champions Cup Pool One campaign with a 41-17 victory over Leicester Tigers, scoring five tries and securing a bonus point. The Top 14 side, who sit second in the French league, pulled away from Leicester with a three-try burst around half-time and then closed the match with 17 unanswered points.

Pau’s try-scoring burst turns the match

Leicester had started brightly and led early, but Pau responded through a penalty before the game turned late in the first half. Rodrigo Marta and Jon Zabala both crossed to give the hosts a 17-10 advantage at the interval. Pau had earlier seen a Sacha Zegueur try ruled out for a knock-on.

Marta, the leading try-scorer in the Top 14 this season, added his second try shortly after the break, racing in from 30 metres. The Portugal international now has six tries in five Top 14 appearances this season. Aaron Grandidier Nkanang and Fabien Brau-Boirie also touched down for Pau, with Theo Attissogbe providing the pass for Grandidier Nkanang’s score. Brau-Boirie’s try came from an interception.

Desperes controls the scoreboard

Axel Desperes contributed 15 points with the boot, kicking five conversions and two penalties. His accuracy helped Pau build an unassailable lead as Leicester struggled to contain the hosts’ attacking momentum.

Leicester’s early promise fades

Leicester had opened the scoring through a Billy Searle penalty and used tactical kicking to keep Pau in their own territory. A 50-22 from Searle set up the opening try for captain Ollie Chessum, who was making his first appearance of the season after recovering from a foot injury. Searle finished with two conversions and a penalty.

Archie van der Flier scored in the corner to bring Leicester within seven points after Marta’s second try, but Pau’s late surge put the result beyond doubt. Referee Eoghan Cross of Ireland oversaw the match.

What next for Leicester

Leicester’s Champions Cup campaign continues with pool matches against Clermont Auvergne, Glasgow Warriors and Leinster. The Tigers will need to regroup quickly after a chastening opening defeat.