Ashley-Cooper steers Bordeaux to key Top 14 win

Australian winger Adam Ashley-Cooper scored one of his team's two tries as Bordeaux-Begles defeated Grenoble 20-14 on Friday to stay on course for the French Top 14 play-offs.

The win lifted Bordeaux into sixth spot in the standings -- the final play-off spot -- three points ahead of Castres who have a game in hand.

Friday's game was over before the hour mark as Bordeaux raced into a 17-0 lead.

Ashley-Cooper, the 31-year-old winger who joined the club in southwest France on a two-year deal after Australia's run to the 2015 World Cup final where they lost to New Zealand, opened the scoring in the 36th minute.

Set-up by a probing high-kick from Fijian full-back Metuisela Talebula, the Wallaby star was able to score in the corner, rewarding Bordeaux for their early pressure.

Simon Hickey added the extras and the New Zealand fly-half was just as accurate two minutes after the interval to convert winger Sofiane Guitoune's try.

Grenoble, with only pride left to play for this season, also scored two tries in the second half courtesy of replacement winger Armand Battle.

Source :AFP