Bordeaux Begles 7s vs Racing 92 7s

Kick-off was at 18:36 local time (17:36 UTC) in Poule B of the second and final summer stage of the 2026–2027 Supersevens season. Bordeaux had already beaten the Baabaas Sevens 12–7 in extra time earlier in the day, while Racing had defeated USA Perpignan 17–10, setting up a winner-takes-all clash for early pool supremacy.

Bordeaux struck first through Olympic champion Paulin Riva, who — fresh from his late winning try against the Baabaas — finished a well-worked team move in the opening minutes. The conversion stretched the lead to 7–0.

Racing 92 responded before half-time with a try of their own, converted to level at 7–7. The second half followed the same tight script: Racing edged ahead with their second try to lead 12–7, but Bordeaux hit back immediately.

With the score at 12–12 and time running out, Bordeaux forced a decisive breakthrough in the closing minutes — dotting down and converting to make it 17–12, a lead they defended through the final phases.

Bordeaux's response to going 12–7 down was the defining passage. Racing had seized momentum after their second try, but UBB Sevens restarted with intensity, won quick ball through the phases, and capitalised on a Racing defensive lapse to level the scores within two minutes. The composure shown by Paulin Riva and captain Clément Laporte to manage the closing stages prevented a repeat of Racing's late escapes.

Paulin Riva (Bordeaux Begles 7s) — The Olympic gold medallist was decisive in both of Bordeaux's matches on Friday. After scoring the match-winner in extra time against the Baabaas, he opened the scoring here and was the creative heartbeat of the UBB attack. The most impactful player on the Pau pitch on Day 1.

Clément Laporte (Bordeaux Begles 7s) — The captain's tactical kicking and game management kept Racing pinned in their half during the critical final three minutes, preventing any late counter-attack.

Shingirai Manyarara (Racing 92 7s) — The Racing 92 stand-out was a threat with ball in hand throughout, instrumental in both of his side's tries with powerful carries through the middle channel.

Across their two Day 1 pool matches, Bordeaux Begles 7s conceded just 16 points while scoring 29, demonstrating defensive solidity that was absent during their opening stage in Biarritz. Against the Baabaas and Racing 92 — two of the more experienced sevens outfits in the competition — Bordeaux held their line for extended periods despite both matches being decided by a single score. Racing 92's 12 points were their lowest total against Bordeaux in their last four meetings.

With two wins from two, Bordeaux Begles 7s are firmly in control of Poule B heading into Saturday's quarter-finals. The top two teams from each pool advance to the knockout stage, and UBB Sevens sit top of the group with a superior points difference over Racing 92.

Racing 92 still have a strong chance of qualification — their win over USA Perpignan gives them three points, and they face the Baabaas Sevens on Day 2.

The top eight teams from the combined standings across both summer stages qualify for the grand final at Paris La Défense Arena on 6–7 February 2027.

Both sides continue their Supersevens 2 campaign on Saturday 29 August at Stade du Hameau, Pau.

Bordeaux Begles 7s showed the hallmark of a team that knows how to win tight sevens matches — they absorbed pressure, trusted their defensive system, and had the individual class of Paulin Riva to unlock a stubborn Racing defence. Racing 92 will rue their failure to close out the game at 12–7, but remain well placed for Saturday's knockout rounds.