The Scarlets coach insists his side must be bold in France, as they prepare to face the reigning European champions.
Peel’s side travel to the Stade Chaban-Delmas for round two of Europe’s elite competition knowing they are up against one of the most formidable teams in club rugby.
It appears to be the most difficult fixture they could possibly have been given.
Bordeaux are chasing a 10th straight Champions Cup victory, having gone unbeaten throughout last season before launching their title defence with a thrilling 46-33 win over the Bulls in Pretoria.
Saturday’s match will be played in front of a 32,930 sell-out crowd — the club’s 23rd consecutive capacity attendance.
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Despite the firepower at Bordeaux’s disposal, Peel is keen for Scarlets to treat the contest as an opportunity rather than a fear factor, stressing that mindset will be crucial.
“There were a couple of key moments last weekend which we didn’t nail, which on reflection was disappointing. It shows Champions Cup rugby is cut-throat, but effort-wise it was definitely a step in the right direction,” said Peel, reflecting on Scarlets’ narrow 17-16 defeat to Bristol Bears in their opening match.
The former Wales scrum-half is well aware of the challenge posed by a Bordeaux side boasting stars such as Damian Penaud, Louis Bielle-Biarrey and fly-half Matthieu Jalibert, but insists over-analysis of the opposition can be counter-productive.
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“What Bordeaux have is massive depth in their squad. They have a game of power, pace, skill and they have world-class players.
“European juggernaut is a term that is passed around from time to time and that is what they are at the moment.
“It is a massive challenge for us, but that is why this tournament is so special – you get to play against these teams to see where you are.
“What’s important is that you don’t delve too much into the footage of Bordeaux. You have to use a match like this as an opportunity to take your game over there and try and upset them as much as you can.
“That is what I am asking of our boys.”
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The Scarlets last played in Bordeaux four years ago, suffering a heavy 45-12 defeat, and only Harlequins have beaten the French side at home in Europe since, edging a dramatic 42-41 quarter-final win in 2024.
Bordeaux have won 13 of their last 15 European games and average close to 45 points per match, underlining the size of the challenge.
Still, Peel believes the occasion itself is part of the appeal.
“Bordeaux is a brilliant place to play rugby and I’m looking forward to a great atmosphere and a fantastic occasion,” he said.
Peel has made eight changes to the side that faced Bristol, some enforced by injury.
Tomi Lewis comes in on the wing for Wales international Tom Rogers, who picked up a groin strain in training.
Joe Roberts is named in midfield alongside Eddie James, with Johnny Williams sidelined due to a calf problem.
There is a new half-back pairing, with Joe Hawkins linking up with Dane Blacker, while Gareth Davies is rested and Archie Hughes takes a place on the bench.
Up front, Scarlets field a new-look front row of Alec Hepburn, Marnus van der Merwe and Henry Thomas.
Max Douglas shifts from flanker into the second row alongside Jake Ball, while Josh Macleod moves to blindside to allow Dan Davis to start at openside.
With Wales internationals Blair Murray and Taine Plumtree still unavailable, Peel knows his reshuffled side will need to be accurate, brave and disciplined if they are to trouble the champions.
But rather than being overawed by Bordeaux-Begles’ reputation, Scarlets’ head coach wants his team to trust their own game, embrace the challenge and see just how far they can push one of Europe’s true heavyweights.
Bordeaux-Begles: Mousques; Penaud, Uberti, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey; Jalibert, Page-Relo: Poirot (capt), Barlot, Falatea, Palu, Coleman, Jacobs, Vergnes-Taillefer, Matiu.
Replacements: Everitt, Perchaud, B Tameifuna, J Gray, Gardrat, Retiere, Carbery, R Janse van Rensburg.
Scarlets: J Davies; Lewis, Roberts, James, Mee; Hawkins, Blacker; Hepburn, Van der Merwe, Thomas, Douglas, Ball, Macleod (capt), Davis, Anderson.
Replacements: Elias, Mathias, H O'Connor, Lousi, J Taylor, A Hughes, Costelow, Page.
Referee: Morne Ferreira (South Africa)
