La Rochelle have beaten Leinster 24-21 with a last minute try in today's Champions Cup final. Making it four years in a row where Leinster have gone into knockout games in the tournament as favourites but got outplayed and outthought.
Speaking on Virgin TV, ex-Leinster men Rob Kearney and Shane Horgan gave their thoughts on a tryless Leinster performance and an impressive showing from La Rochelle.
Horgan: "Devastation for Leinster but no doubt La Rochelle deserved to win that game. There was an inevitability about what we saw unfold over the last ten minutes of that game.
"The tension was huge and all of a sudden it felt like an away day for Leinster, not just a final, it felt like a home game for La Rochelle. Leinster mismanaged that second half and key periods of it there's no doubt. But La Rochelle played the game in the right place, played with all the territory, they had all the possession, especially in the second half.
"We saw what the danger we said before the game, is that Leinster revert to the types of performances that we've seen in the last couple of years and particularly last year against La Rochelle in the semi and before that against Sarries in the quarter, and against Sarries in the final. They tighten up a little bit and their shape isn't as sophisticated."
Kearney: "We're so used to seeing this Leinster team score tries and tries and tries for fun in every game.
"It's the best team they've played against this season. They didn't lose the collision area but they weren't as dominant in it as they have been throughout the season, we didn't see forwards interplaying as much as we had, changing the point of contact, those balls out the back, the plus to the second forward. Some of the passing was a little bit inaccurate at times, they'll be devastated."
"Tries."
Rob Kearney & Shane Horgan on the difference between La Rochelle & Leinster in that final.#LEIvSR #HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/GcHswVfw7k— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) May 28, 2022
LA ROCHELLE TRY! 🟡⚫️
Bourgarit scores! West converts!
They are right back in this final!
Leinster 18-17 La Rochelle#LEIvSR #HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/e0nH21k2Ht— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) May 28, 2022
They would have to wait until after the hour mark for their second try.
It came after forcing a penalty deep inside Leinster territory, with La Rochelle kicking for the corner. They would then drive the ensuing maul over the line, setting up a grandstand finish to the game.
10: TRYYYY
La Rochelle BURST into life!
Raymond Rhule with a brilliant finish!#LEIvSR #HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/0PIilNmkCX— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) May 28, 2022
With less than 20 minutes left to play, Leinster would lead on a scoreline of 18-17.
La Rochelle seemingly made their task a lot more difficult by getting themselves reduced to 14 men.
It came after an incredibly stupid piece of play from Thomas Lavault, who needlessly tripped Jamison Gibson Park as he made his way up the pitch.
The fear in the eyes of Lavault knowing he has to face ROG after the game
#LeinsterRugby #larochelle #ChampionsCupFinal pic.twitter.com/G8f0e8mIj2— Jimmy Jests (@jimmyjests) May 28, 2022
Ross Byrne would score the resulting penalty to extend their lead to four points.
However, this only seemed to revitalise the French side. They spent the guts of ten minute launching a sustained attack on the Leinster line, one which ultimately ended with a try at the most convenient of times.
There would be no time for the Irish side to respond.
LA ROCHELLE HAVE GOT THE TRY! 🟡⚫️
They take the lead in the last minute!
What amazing drama! #LEIvSR #HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/nINQDXfobI— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) May 28, 2022
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