La Rochelle may have won the most important duel. Defeated twice in the Top 14 against Montpellier, Ronan O’Gara’s men broke this series by winning (31-19) on Saturday May 7, in the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup. In the wake of its giants, Botia, Alldritt, Bourgarit, to name a few, and well helped by the leg of its opening half Ihaia West against the poles (16 points), the Rochelais have gradually stifled private Montpellier residents many frames.
In an incandescent Marcel-Deflandre – once again sold out – one man particularly shone. If the La Rochelle forwards shone with their power and their ability to ensure the continuity of the game and if the three quarters, Jules Favre in the lead, also shone with their interval shots, the center, Levani Botia, was in all good shots.
Author of a test at arm’s length and all in determination (48th, 22-14) which allowed La Rochelle to recover after a test cap, the Fijian is involved in the other two tests of the Maritimes. Relentless in defense, striking in attack, he offered two passes after contact to Jules Favre to create the gap and pave the way for the achievements of Dany Priso (13th, 7-0) and Victor Vito (23rd, 17-0). If the Héraultais were able to take advantage of a lost ball and poor communication under a game at the foot of pressure to plant two tries (41st, 54th), the Rochelais never really doubted.
VICTOIRE !!! The Yellow and Black win against the @MHR_official and validate their ticket for the semi-finals of #ChampionsCup for the second consecutive season #SRFever pic.twitter.com/qOawROKzJS
— Stade Rochelais (@staderochelais) May 7, 2022
Ambitious, the unfortunate finalist of last season thus won his ticket for the semi-finals. He will find the winner of the clash between Racing 92 and the Sale Sharks. The other semi-final will oppose Stade Toulousain, winner on penalties from Munster, to Leinster.