PAU — Pau powered to a resounding 41-17 victory over Leicester Tigers at Stade du Hameau in the Investec Champions Cup, overturning an early deficit to claim a bonus-point win and announce themselves as possible dark horses. The hosts trailed 10-3 after 18 minutes before seizing control in what proved a proper European tie that ebbed and flowed across the 80 minutes.
Inspired by France star Théo Attissogbe, Pau turned the contest to lead 17-10 at half-time. Ollie Chessum had opened the scoring for Leicester in the seventh minute, but Rodrigo Marta and Jon Zabala crossed for the hosts to edge them ahead at the break. After the interval Pau were far more clinical, outscoring Leicester 24-7 through further tries from Marta, Aaron Grandidier Nkanang and Fabien Brau-Boirie, while Axel Desperes contributed 16 points off the boot. The five-two try count secured a bonus point under the new competition rule.
Attissogbe provided the spark when Pau were under pressure. His dazzling break from deep created Pau's opening try at a time when Leicester were dominating the aerial contest, and he was again heavily involved in the second score that put the hosts in front for the first time — a lead they never relinquished. He later produced a pinpoint assist for Grandidier Nkanang and helped repel Leicester's second-half threat with incisive counter-attacking play.
Leicester will rue missed opportunities despite a strong start built on a clever kicking strategy that pinned Pau deep and delivered territory. Billy Searle led the Tigers impressively and was an early contender for player of the match, while Freddie Steward and Olly Cracknell also stood tall. At the end of the first half Leicester held 58 per cent territory and 51 per cent possession yet trailed, having managed only Chessum's early try. Archie van der Flier's second-half score briefly revived them, but Pau responded immediately with a penalty to keep the visitors at arm's length.
The hosts held their nerve and made their momentum count, taking points with almost every opportunity and using Leicester's own kicking game against them on the counter. The final margin was harsh on Leicester, whose performance deserved more, but Pau's ruthlessness in attack and composure under pressure delivered a statement result.