1
Leinster continue quest for record fifth European title against La Rochelle
By PA
Leinster will continue their quest for a record fifth European title when they tackle French challengers La Rochelle.
The Top 14 title contenders stand between Leo Cullen’s team and a place in the Heineken Champions Cup final at Twickenham on May 22.
And after Leinster knocked out defending champions and quarter-final opponents Exeter last month, they are favourites to march on.
La Rochelle, coached by former Ireland fly-half Ronan O’Gara, are first-time Champions Cup semi-finalists.
They reached the last-four through impressive victories over Gloucester and Sale Sharks, but Leinster will comfortably be their biggest test yet, even with home advantage at Stade Marcel-Deflandre.
Leinster are again without captain Johnny Sexton, who has not played since undergoing a head injury assessment during the Exeter game three weeks ago.
Ross Byrne, architect of Leinster’s victory over the Chiefs, continues in the number 10 shirt, while there are also starts for centre Garry Ringrose and lock James Ryan.
La Rochelle show a solitary switch from the side that accounted for Sale, with flanker Wiaan Liebenberg taking over from Kevin Gourdon.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Nemani Nadolo: 'Now I cut grass, do gardens, cut hedges for a living'
3
Exclusive RugbyPass interview: Toulon co-captain David Ribbans
4
Jacob Stockdale: 'That was a turning point, that really got to me'
5
Latest Comments
Good analysis, but perhaps too kind to Marcus.
The fact that he's so focused on creating opportunities for himself and not others doesn't just make him a less rounded fly-half than Ford and Fin, but has completely devastated England's attempts to build an attacking system.
Go to commentsTu as tout résumé. SA rugby donne tout pour les Boks car l'objectif suprême est la Coupe du monde.
Les pays européens ne mettent pas autant de moyens dans leurs équipes nationales car l'économie du rugby est orientée sur les clubs.
Voilà la principale raison de la domination extrême de HS dans le palmarès des WC.
L'argent est apporté par les équipes nationales en HS et par les clubs ou provinces en HN.
A part, l'Angleterre en 2003 difficile d'exister dans toutes les compétitions de rugby aujourd'hui.
Go to comments