In a repeat of last year’s Top 14 final, Toulouse will take on Bordeaux this Saturday. They will look to win a third successive Top 14 title at the Stade de France.
Toulouse (1.96) has dominated French rugby over the last two years. They won the 2023 Top 14, beating Stade Rochelais 29-26 in the final at the Stade de France. Subsequently, in 2024, they thrashed Bordeaux (1.89) 59-3 in the final at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille.
Bordeaux: A Worthy Challenger in 2025 Top 14 Final?
Bordeaux have had a superb season and won their first Champions Cup title with a 28-20 final win over Northampton Saints.
Northampton started strongly with a try from Alex Coles in the second minute. However, injuries to James Ramm and George Furbank halted them. Damian Penaud struck back quickly for Bordeaux after slick passing down the line.
Louis Bielle-Biarrey had a try disallowed, but Bordeaux soon went ahead through Adam Coleman. Matthieu Jalibert’s conversion made it 12-7. Fin Smith narrowed the gap with a penalty before Bordeaux’s Mahamadou Diaby was sin-binned.
Saints took advantage as Smith slotted another penalty, but Freeman’s yellow card allowed Penaud to cross again. Jalibert’s second assist sent the winger over in the corner. Smith then converted Coles’ second try to make it 20-20 at half-time.
The second half began with Saints thinking they’d scored again through Henry Pollock. However, the TMO ruled out the try for obstruction in the lineout. Moments later, Ed Prowse was yellow-carded, leaving Saints with 13 men.
Maxime Lucu extended Bordeaux’s lead with a penalty. Saints hung on gallantly and even prevented a Lamothe try. But Bordeaux’s pressure eventually told when Cyril Cazeaux powered over with Prowse still off the field.
Bordeaux’s clinical finishing and depth off the bench proved decisive. Northampton’s injury misfortune cost them dearly. Coles’ efforts stood out for the English side.
Penaud’s brace and Jalibert’s creativity were central to Bordeaux’s win. Meanwhile, Lucu got Player of the Match.
After finishing second, behind Toulouse, in the Top 14 regular season standings, Bordeaux beat Toulon 39-24 in the semi-finals to set up the final clash with the table-toppers. Hooker Maxime Lamothe scored a sensational hat-trick of tries.
Bordeaux has shown over the course of an impressive season that, despite Toulouse’s proud history, victory cannot be taken for granted.
Toulouse has a Proud History
Standing in Bordeaux’s way is Toulouse, one of the proudest rugby clubs in the world. They have won six Champions Cup titles, dating back to the days of the Heineken Cup. Toulouse has also won the Top 14 23 times. In both tournaments, they are the most successful team in history.
Toulouse edged Bayonne 32-25 to make the final. Romain Ntamack and Paul Graou scored the two tries for the defending champions. Meanwhile, fullback Thomas Ramos kicked 22 points.
Conclusion: A Thrilling Top 14 Final
The 2025 Top 14 final promises a thrilling clash between two giants of French rugby. Toulouse will aim to underline their dominance with a third successive title, while Bordeaux seeks revenge.
Fans can expect high drama at the Stade de France. Bordeaux’s Champions Cup triumph proves they have the quality to dethrone Toulouse. As anticipation builds, so does interest in online sports betting, with punters analysing every angle. Whichever side claims glory, this final will be a fitting conclusion to an epic season.
