La Rochelle welcomes Gloucester to the European Cup this Saturday with the return of its internationals, two weeks after the end of the six nations tournament.
La Rochelle, reigning European champion, should have all its international executives for the reception of Gloucester in the round of 16 of the Champions Cup on Saturday (6:30 p.m.). “We composed our team according to the form of the moment and merit. There should be no surprises“Said forwards coach Romain Carmignani on Thursday. On vacation last weekend during the victorious trip (36-6) to Bordeaux-Bègles, center Jonathan Danty, opener Antoine Hastoy and left prop Reda Wardi returned to the group, the first two as starters.
Substitute against the UBB before making a very convincing entry into play, Grégory Alldritt will lead the third line against the English of Gloucester, already opposed to the Maritimes at this stage of the competition in 2021 (Rochelais victory 27-16 in Kingsholm Stadium). Hooker Pierre Bourgarit, released prematurely with elbow pain last Saturday, will hold his place well.
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Manager Ronan O’Gara regrets two absences for this shock against the current 9th in the Premiership: the South African winger Dillyn Leyds, who suffers from a sprained finger, and the 3rd line wing Matthias Haddad, concussed in Bordeaux, who must observe a rest period of 10 days.