sport news Leinster 21-24 La Rochelle: Les Corsaires stage late comeback to win the ... trends now
La Rochelle snatched European glory from out of Leinster’s grasp at Stade Velodrome, as Arthur Retiere’s try a minute from the end denied the Irish side their fifth title.
The replacement scrum-half struck after a savage blitz by Ronan O’Gara’s team in the closing stages of this tight, tense Heineken Champions Cup Final. Leinster were within touching distance of joining Toulouse as five-star kings of the continent, but their dream was shattered in dramatic fashion.
In truth, it would have been an injustice if La Rochelle had not won this. They were dominant in most areas for most of the game. If it hadn’t been for the harsh penalty-count against them and some wild lapses in decision-making and execution, they surely would have been out of sight.
The players from La Rochelle celebrate as Arthur Retiere gets over the ball over the line
What a triumph this is for a club who only won promotion to the Top 14 league in 2014. Their rise has been remarkable and they brought a huge following down to the Mediterranean to witness their finest hour. La Rochelle lost last year’s final 22-17 to domestic rivals Toulouse and it looked like there would be a similar fate this time, until Retiere conjured the late twist.
What a triumph this is too for O’Gara, the former Ireland No 10 who had the last laugh over so many familiar compatriots. He has spoken of his interest in succeeding Eddie Jones – who was in attendance here – as England head coach and on the evidence of this feat, the RFU should have him firmly in their thoughts.
La Rochelle will now seek to win their league to seal an epic Double. They will do so having struck another blow for the French game, to add glittering substance to this Gallic golden age, just two months after the national team won the Grand Slam.
Lyon won the Challenge Cup and now La Rochelle have claimed the top prize. Last year, it was Toulouse and Montpellier who took those titles. The balance of power lies on this side of the Channel.
Retiere scored the match-winning try to earn La Rochelle their first ever major trophy
Raymond Rhule avoiding a tackle before scoring the first try of the afternoon for La Rochelle
Leinster opened the scoring, with the first of Sexton’s four first-half penalties coming in the fifth minute –
