Leinster Gets Sweet Revenge Against La Rochelle in Thrilling Rematch
In a rematch of last year’s epic showdown, Leinster emerged victorious against reigning champions La Rochelle in a thrilling Investec Champions Cup Pool Four opener. This clash had it all – rain-soaked drama, scrappy encounters, and a bit of controversy. Let’s dive into the details of this gripping contest.
First Half Chaos:
The match kicked off with anticipation soaring as two European heavyweights faced off once again. However, torrential rain on the west coast of France quickly turned this into a battle against the elements. Antoine Hastoy’s early penalty gave La Rochelle the lead, but the sparks flew as tempers flared. Will Skelton’s conceded penalty led to a melee, with Jonathan Danty and Joe McCarthy both sent to the sin-bin.
Amidst the chaos, Leinster showed their composure, and Jordan Larmour seized the opportunity, latching onto Jimmy O’Brien’s pass to score a crucial try. Harry Byrne’s impressive conversion extended their lead.
La Rochelle, eager to strike back, thought they had scored through Levani Botia, only for referee Matthew Carley to rule that he had crawled over the line. Hastoy added another penalty just before halftime, but Leinster responded swiftly with Ciaran Frawley slotting a straightforward penalty.
Second Half Drama:
The second half began with La Rochelle on the offensive, fueled by Brice Dulin’s slick break. However, Ryan Baird’s heroic effort denied Reda Wardi from crossing the line. La Rochelle’s scrum dominance was evident, and Hastoy’s precision brought them within one point with another penalty.
In this physical encounter, Charlie Ngatai’s arrival injected fresh energy into Leinster’s backline, leading to a penalty that Frawley successfully converted, extending their lead with 20 minutes left.
La Rochelle’s captain, Pierre Bourgarit, opted for a line-out after winning a penalty, but Leinster thwarted their attempt. Missed opportunities, including a wide-sliced penalty by Hastoy and a drop-kick attempt by Frawley, kept the tension high.
With five minutes remaining, La Rochelle chose to kick to the corner, but a handling error from the line-out proved costly as Leinster cleared the danger. Frawley, with nerves of steel, settled this gripping contest with a monster penalty in injury time.
The Aftermath:
Leinster’s hard-fought victory snapped La Rochelle’s 16-game unbeaten streak in the competition, dating back to the 2021 final. The rematch lived up to the hype, even in challenging weather conditions, showcasing the determination and resilience of both teams.
This thrilling encounter will undoubtedly be remembered as a classic clash in the annals of rugby history. As the tournament progresses, we can expect more captivating battles between these European giants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rugby Upset
Q: What was the outcome of the Leinster vs. La Rochelle rugby match?
A: Leinster emerged victorious with a 16-9 win, ending La Rochelle’s 16-game unbeaten streak in a thrilling rematch.
Q: What were the key moments in the match?
A: The match featured intense moments, including a brawl resulting in sin-bins, a disputed try, and Ciaran Frawley’s match-winning monster penalty.
Q: How did the weather affect the game?
A: Torrential rain made the game a challenging affair, limiting free-flowing rugby and adding an extra layer of complexity to the match.
Q: Who were the standout players in this contest?
A: Jordan Larmour’s try and Ciaran Frawley’s clutch penalty were pivotal for Leinster, while Antoine Hastoy’s accurate kicking kept La Rochelle in the game.
Q: What does this victory mean for Leinster and La Rochelle in the Champions Cup?
A: Leinster’s win sets a strong tone for their Champions Cup campaign, while La Rochelle will look to bounce back after their unbeaten streak was snapped.
More about Rugby Upset
- Leinster Rugby
- La Rochelle Rugby Club
- Investec Champions Cup
- Rugby Upsets
- Champions Cup Unbeaten Streak
- Jordan Larmour
- Antoine Hastoy
- Ciaran Frawley
1 comment
Great article, but where can i watch highlights?