Source link : https://rugby-247.com/2025/01/12/champions-cup-the-irish-times/
Here is Gerry Thornley’s match preview:
“And so finally, it’s upon us. Some matches loom on the horizon way more brightly than most. Ever since the fixtures were announced last July, no matchup has stood out for the respective teams, players and supporters of La Rochelle and Leinster quite like this clash.”
Of Leinster, Thornley says:
“Last season’s deserved double must have exorcised some Leinster demons and they are a defensively steelier side this season. The multiphase attack is still nothing like it was but Prendergast’s emergence has given them another dimension, albeit this is another test of his so-far impressive composure.”
[ Leinster v La Rochelle: New arrivals add spice to a rivalry like no otherOpens in new window ]
Hello and welcome to live coverage of La Rochelle against Leinster at Stade Marcel Deflandre in the third round of the Champions Cup pool stages. Kick-off in France is at 3.15pm.
This is a tie that does not need much introduction, it is the biggest Champions Cup rivalry in modern times. La Rochelle denied Leinster three times in a row in the competition’s latter stages, in a semi-final and in two tight finals, but Leinster got their revenge last year by beating Ronan O’Gara’s side twice. There are a few absences, Will Skelton misses out for La Rochelle, as does Jonathan Danty and Teddy Thomas. Leinster had planned to leave Jordie Barrett in reserve but a late injury to Tommy O’Brien means he starts at fullback with Hugo Keenan out, while Tadhg Furlong returns to the frontrow after some time out.
Stade Rochelais: Brice Dulin, Jack Nowell, UJ Seuteni, Jules Favre, Dillyn Leyds; Antoine Hastoy, Tawera Kerr-Barlow; Reda Wardi, Quentin Lespiaucq, Uini Atonio, Thomas Lavault, Kane Douglas, Paul Boudehent, Oscar Jegou, Grégory Alldritt (capt).
Replacements: Nikoloz Sutidze, Alexandre Kaddouri, Georges-Henri Colombe, Ultan Dillane, Levani Botia, Judicael Cancoriet, Matthias Haddad, Hoani Bosmorin.
Leinster: Jordie Barrett; Jamie Osborne, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, Jimmy O’Brien; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Cian Healy, Ronan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong, Joe McCarthy, James Ryan, Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt).
Replacements: Gus McCarthy, Andrew Porter, Rabah Slimani, RG Snyman, Jack Conan, Luke McGrath, Ross Byrne, Ciarán Frawley.
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Geo)
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Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2025-01-12 13:50:55
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