La Rochelle were fifth when the 2019/20 Top 14 season was called off early, so why are we wondering about what might have been for Jono Gibbes' team?
The Champions Cup final may be the main course for rugby fans this weekend, but French sides Clermont and La Rochelle will first be serving up a delectable entrée on Friday night at Newcastle.
La Rochelle have selected against type with a relatively modest 900kg pack for their showdown with Bristol Bears tomorrow.
There were wins for Clermont Auvergne and La Rochelle in the Top 14 on Sunday.
Clermont Auvergne ran hot at the start of the new Top 14 season as the two promoted sides came up short in their opening outings.