The Investec Champions Cup delivered a modern-day classic, but La Rochelle's hopes were dashed as Leinster clinched a narrow victory with a final penalty, ending the match with a score of **25-24 at the Aviva Stadium.** This intense rivalry between these two powerhouses once again proved why it's a must-watch for rugby fans. But the game didn't start smoothly for Ronan O’Gara’s side, as they found themselves trailing 12-0 early on.
Diving into the player ratings:
15. Dillyn Leyds - 6: Leyds had a mixed performance. He was a threat in open play, making line breaks and covering nearly 80 meters. However, his decision-making could have been better, and he was fortunate to avoid punishment for early positioning errors.
14. Jack Nowell - 7.5: Nowell was a workhorse, with tireless effort from the former England wing. He carried the ball relentlessly (13 carries, 81 meters), beat defenders, and was key in La Rochelle's attacks.
13. Jules Favre - 6: Favre's game was cut short due to a head knock. Before leaving, he showed physicality, but struggled defensively, missing tackles and offering limited attacking impact.
12. Simeli Daunivucu - 8.5: Daunivucu was outstanding, La Rochelle's most dangerous back. He made line breaks, beat an astonishing 11 defenders, and carried for 87 meters.
11. Davit Niniashvili - 7: Niniashvili took his try well and was a constant threat on the left edge, causing problems with his acceleration. However, defensive lapses prevented a higher rating.
10. Ihaia West - 7: West had an influential display, with moments of both brilliance and error. He missed touch from a restart but showed composure late on, scoring a try and nearly becoming the hero.
9. Nolann Le Garrec - 7.5: Le Garrec controlled the tempo impressively, especially in the second half. His goal-kicking was excellent under pressure, though not everything went his way.
1. Reda Wardi - 6: Wardi was involved, particularly in wider channels, but made a costly knock-on and gave away a scrum infringement.
2. Tolu Latu - 6: Latu had impactful carries and a turnover, but his lineout inaccuracies and a penalty detracted from his performance.
3. Uini Atonio - 6: Atonio held the upper hand at scrum time and contributed carries, but his influence waned before being replaced.
4. Charles Kante-Samba - 6: Kante-Samba put in a hard defensive shift, but struggled to make an impact with the ball.
5. Will Skelton - 6: Skelton carried with intent early but made small errors.
6. Oscar Jegou - 8: Jegou had an impressive showing, carrying strongly, defending tirelessly, and being prominent in the breakdown battle.
7. Levani Botia - 9: Botia was a relentless menace at the breakdown, winning crucial turnovers and making tackles. His one ill-judged kick was the only blemish.
8. Gregory Alldritt - 7: Alldritt grew into the contest, carrying hard, beating defenders, and making tackles.
Replacements:
- 16. Quentin Lespiaucq - 6
- 17. Louis Penverne - 4
- 18. Aleksandre Kuntelia - 5
- 19. Kane Douglas - N/A
- 20. Kirill Fraindt - 5
- 21. Thomas Berjon - N/A
- 22. Antoine Hastoy - 7.5: Hastoy had a positive influence on La Rochelle's attack.
- 23. Nathan Bollengier - N/A
Match Summary
- Penalty Goals: 1
- Tries: 3
- Conversions: 3
- Drop Goals: 0
- Carries: 103
- Line Breaks: 6
- Turnovers Lost: 16
- Turnovers Won: 6
But here's where it gets controversial... Do you think the player ratings accurately reflect the impact of each player? Were there any ratings that surprised you? Let's discuss in the comments!
