Before the Champions Cup, in Bath next Friday, Stade Rochelais could not have finished the Top 14 phase worse. With the reception of Vannes, promoted and last in the championship, La Rochelle crumbled and lost for the first time in the season on his land 14 to 23. A defeat without even a defensive bonus. The game started well with a try from Quentin Lespiaucq in the first quarter of an hour, but the Bretons came back each time. 7 everywhere at half-time, 14 everywhere in the 53rd, and a Breton scorer (former Stade Rochelais opener) Maxime Lafage who made the difference at the end of the second period.
Vannes wins for the first time in its history away from home in the Top 14. For Mathieu Cidre, the Vannes coach, “We had to quickly erase last week’s defeat at home against UBB. It's a source of pride to beat this big team from La Rochelle with its internationals. We did the job well. It didn't go far at the Stade Français, or in Montpellier, there we go to the checkout. But the season is not over.”
Reaction from Stade Rochelais manager Ronan O'Gara:
“It was easy to see live on the pitch who was going to win. We didn't have the attitude, in front of us, there was the desire, well done to them. We didn't have the will, the commitment necessary for this match It's rugby, it's like that. What disappoints me the most is the content, no details, no aggression. This evening we showed nothing to prepare for the European Cup. we missed out in all areas, it’s a slap in the face.”
Uini Atonio pillar international law of La Rochelle:
“We knew it was a solid team, we weren't aggressive. I've already had defeats here, but never like this. We thought it would be over by playing at home. .. We must quickly turn the page, but it's a shame to lose like that in front of our public.“
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