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Leinster could have few complaints after their dreams of a fifth star were ended by a powerful La Rochelle side who belied their lack of experience at this stage of the Heineken Champions Cup, and afterwards Leo Cullen didnât have any gripes.
Although Tadhg Furlongâs early try and a yellow card for La Rochelleâs South African flanker Wiaan Liebenberg was fair reward for an early start, Leinster struggled to make inroads into La Rochelleâs Ronan OâGara-designed defence. A 13-12 lead felt skimpy, all the more so as the tide had turned discernibly in favour of Les Maritimes.
Donal Lenihan: La Rochelle s balance and variety dismantles Leinster
Ronan O’Gara’s men had nothing to lose but played like a side in a hurry to make their mark and capture silverware
Leinster’s James Lowe is tackled during the Heineken Champions Cup semi-final. Winning all the psychological battles, La Rochelle grew in stature throughout the game. Picture: Julien Poupart/Sportsfile
Mon, 03 May, 2021 - 06:05
With confirmation last week that Twickenham will host the Heineken Champions Cup final in front of a crowd, albeit limited to 10,000 fans, those tickets were like gold dust and sold out in no time in advance of the semi-finals.
Yeah, we’ve got different nationalities but, you know, so what? The players care
La Rochelle’s victory over Leinster yesterday was based on old-fashioned resistance – something the club and town is famous for. By Garry Doyle Monday 3 May 2021, 6:59 AM May 3rd 2021, 6:59 AM 27,234 Views 28 Comments
Image: Dave Winter/INPHO
Image: Dave Winter/INPHO
THERE IS A World War II story about La Rochelle that is worth a minute of your time.
The Nazis didn’t take long to figure out the port’s geographic importance, occupying it from 1940.
You’d imagine it was a one-way fight – history’s most evil empire rolling its tanks into the coastal town by the Atlantic. But the locals never gave up on the idea of freedom, the president of its local rugby club leading the La Rochelle resistance.
Big balancing act facing La Rochelle before Champions Cup final
Issued on:
02/05/2021 - 19:52 3 min
Paris (AFP)
Former Maori All Blacks fly-half Ihaia West said La Rochelle face a big balancing act after reaching their first Champions Cup final thanks to Sunday s 32-23 home victory over Leinster.
West s men will play three league fixtures in seven days due to Covid-19 postponements before meeting fellow Top 14 outfit Toulouse in the decider at Twickenham on May 22.
The fixture will be played in front up to 10,000 spectators in London after an easing of coronavirus restrictions and will be a sixth final between two Top 14 outfits.