Photo via BBC Sport

Late tries give Pau bonus-point win over Leicester

Pau secured a commanding 41-17 victory over Leicester Tigers in their opening Investec Champions Cup match, earning a bonus-point win in Pool One. The French side dominated the second half, scoring three tries in a 20-minute stretch to extend their lead after a tight first period.

Rodrigo Marta, the Top 14’s leading try-scorer with six in five appearances, crossed twice, including a crucial late burst to seal the win. Leicester, missing injured captain Ollie Chessum for much of the season, fought back early with tactical kicking and a strong defensive presence, but Pau’s relentless attack—highlighted by tries from Jon Zabala, Aaron Grandidier Nkanang, and Fabien Brau-Boirie—proved decisive.

Fly-half Axel Desperes added two penalties, while Leicester’s sole try came from Chessum, who returned from injury to score his first try of the season. The Tigers’ late effort by Archie van der Flier narrowed the gap, but Pau’s late surge ensured Leicester fell short of a bonus-point win, leaving them with a challenging road ahead against Clermont Auvergne, Glasgow Warriors, and Leinster.

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