If Paul Boudehent was once again present in the physical dimension during a major meeting, despite La Rochelle’s defeat against Leinster, Antoine Hastoy experienced too many failures in the second act, which cost his team dearly. team.
The tops:
If there is one who fears nothing in the physical dimension, it’s him. In the first half, and in the absence of their colossus Will Skelton, the Rochelais sometimes suffered in this regard, particularly as they approached the Leinster goal. But we must credit Paul Boudehent for advancing on each of his ball catches, breaking several tackles and finding intervals. Also impressive in defense, with some notable tackles, he delivered a great performance, despite his team’s defeat.
When we talk about the modern second line, the Irish international is the perfect illustration. This Saturday, Joe McCarthy was again everywhere on the field. Rewarded with a try in the first period, on a support run after a crossing from his winger, he was very active in the game. Which does not prevent him from being equally effective on the fundamentals and in the work shadow. He is essential in this Leinster team today.
The flops:
The right pillar had started the game so well by being dominant on each of his impacts and on his first charges. Alas, he was hit in the knee in a seemingly innocuous action. Although he tried to continue the game, he was clearly no longer in full possession of his means: on two occasions, Leinster crossed into his zone, the second time leading to the first Irish try.
For a long time, Antoine Hastoy was inspired and precise in this part. But in the final stretch, the opener was unfortunate: he hit the uprights twice, including once on the winning penalty, was blocked on a drop-goal, sent two kicks directly into touch and committed the ultimate forward. A week after being the hero against Toulouse, he experienced the opposite fate.
Notes from La Rochelle
- 15. Brice Dulin: 5/10
- 14. Jack Nowell : 5,5/10
- 13. UJ Seuteni: 5.5/10
- 12. Jules Favre : 4,5/10
- 11. Dillyn Leyds : 6.5/10
- 10. Antoine Hastoy : 4/10
- 9. Kerr-Barlow distance : 5,5/10
- 8. Grégory Alldritt : 6/10
- 7. Oscar Jégou: 6.5/10
- 6. Paul Boudehent : 6,5/10
- 5. Kane Douglas : 5/10
- 4. Thomas Lavault : 4,5/10
- 3. Uini Atonio: not rated, replaced by Georges-Henri Colombe (4.5/10)
- 2. Quentin Lespiaucq : 5,5/10
- 1. Reda Wardi: 5/10