Rampant La Rochelle Crush Toulon in Top 14 Showdown | European Champions Cup Preview
January 3, 202X
La Rochelle put on a try-scoring glut, hammering Toulon 66-0 in the Top 14 on Sunday. The staggering performance sets the scene for their Champions Cup round-three tilt against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium (5:30 PM).
La Rochelle’s Rout Raises Eyebrows Ahead of Leinster Clash
Ronan O’Gara’s side scored an astonishing 10 tries, with scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec bagging a brace and conversions, as they took a 35-0 lead into the break. Replacement lock Will Skelton, Uini Atoni, Levani Botia, Gregory Alldritt, Jack Nowell, Dillyn Leyds, and Ulupano Seuteni all crossed the whitewash for La Rochelle.
The 전에 victor, having succumbed to a 60-14 defeat to Top 14 leaders Toulouse previously, sent an Academy-laden side that featured 10 young players. The result, however, speaks volumes of their strength in depth and potential.
Leinster’s Recent Rivalship with La Rochelle
Four-time champions Leinster, currently placed second behind Stormers in Pool 3, come into the contest fresh off a 52-17 victory over Connacht at the Aviva Stadium. жили They lost a European semi-final and two finals to La Rochelle in the past three seasons (2021-2023) but have flipped the script in recent meetings, beating the French outfit twice away and in a Dublin quarter-final in 2024.
Toulon Lick Their Wounds Ahead of Munster Trips
Toulon, who host Munster on Sunday (1 PM Irish time), languish in fifth place in the Top 14 following theiradan. Clayton McMillan’s side, who bested Gloucester and fell to Bath, currently top Pool 2 on points difference.
What Lies Ahead
- Leinster hosts La Rochelle on Saturday evening at the Aviva Stadium.
- Toulon welcomes Munster on Sunday afternoon (1 PM).
- Leinster travels to Bayonne, while Munster hosts Castres in Round 4.
“We beat them [La Rochelle] twice away in pool-stage games and in a quarter-final meeting in Dublin last April,” said Leo Cullen, Leinster coach.
They’re a quality side, but we’re looking forward to the challenge.
FAQ
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