Bordeaux-Begles will face Northampton in the Investec Champions Cup final after they conquered six-time champions Toulouse with a convincing 35-18 victory guided by a masterful display from fly-half Matthieu Jalibert.
In his last chance to stake a claim for a place on the plane to Australia, Toulouse flanker and Lions hopeful Jack Willis impressed in flashes but Bordeaux came to dominate the battle of the breakdown and avenge their 59-3 loss in last season’s Top 14 final.
Behind the scrum, Jalibert took the game by the scruff of the neck opposite Romain Ntamack, his great rival for the French No 10 jersey.