La Rochelle validated its ticket for the semi-finals by dominating Montpellier, this Saturday, in its Marcel-Deflandre stadium during a match more complicated than the score might suggest (31-19). Ronan O’Gara’s players will face Racing 92 or Sale on Saturday May 14, opposed this Sunday May 8 (4 p.m.) at Paris La Défense Arena.
What you must remember
Leaving a hundred miles an hour, Grégory Alldritt and his teammates weakened at times and left Montpellier, seriously diminished by the absences due to injuries of its executives Cobus Reinach and Paul Willemse, to return to the game. After two tries from Priso and Vito, the case seemed to be over (17-0, 23rd) in a fiery atmosphere. But Thomas, in force, then Reilhac, taking advantage of a defensive error allowed the Héraultais to come back to tickle their hosts (17-14, 42nd). Then Mercer responded with a corner try to Botia to maintain the suspense (22-19, 55th). The rest ? Driven by a public in fusion, the Rochelais ended up taking the upper hand by leaving their striker and opener West to inflate the score by penalties.
Player: Ihaia West
Accurate on foot, author of 16 points (4 penalties and 2 transformations), the opener from La Rochelle was also decisive in the offensive animation. Lively and inspired, he allowed his club to quickly take control of the game and relieved him on many occasions.
The number: 2
For the second year in a row, La Rochelle finds itself in the last four of the competition. Last season, the Yellow and Blacks dominated the Irish from Leinster (32-23) before narrowly failing in the final against Stade Toulouse (22-17).