Ian Madigan got his Bordeaux Bègles career off to the perfect start as he kicked all his team’s points in the 15-9 home win over reigning champions Racing Metro 92 in their Top 14 season opener.
The 27-year-old departed Leinster at the end of last season after falling behind Jonathan Sexton in the pecking order in the pivotal position, and it was his international team-mate's former team that provided the opposition tonight.
In a cagey opening half dominated by the forwards, Madigan kicked two from two as Bordeaux took a 6-3 lead into the break, with Dan Carter’s penalty the sole Racing score in a game played mainly between the respective 22s.
Madigan added another three in the second half to capitalise on ill-discipline from Racing, missing just once off the tee, to ensure Bègles got their campaign off to a flying start despite a finishing the game with 14 men.
Lock Louise-Benoit Madaule was dismissed late for a dangerous tip tackle.
Elsewhere Bernard Jackman’s Grenoble suffered a heavy 54-20 home defeat at the hands of Stade Francais, with Gio Aplon grabbing a couple of tries for the visitors.
Castres overcame the dismissal of Rory Kockott to emerge victorious against Pau on a 28-11 scoreline.
Dave Strettle was on the scoresheet as Clermont Auvergne and La Rochelle finished 30-30 in a thrilling draw, while Jake White’s Montpellier failed to score a try in their 20-12 away defeat to Toulouse.
