Tops
La Rochelle continues on its way
"To be happy to arrive in the semi-final of the European Cup, it is not interesting", affirmed Ronan O'Gara before the beginning of the final sentences of this Champions Cup "new look" truncated by the health crisis. The goal is clear: to win, no more and no less. With this victory over an opponent who was much inferior to him, the Rochelais offered themselves a quarter-final at home, against Sale or the Scarlets. Dominators in all sectors of the game, the Maritimes have never seemed in danger, but retain a significant margin of progress in certain sectors.
The density of the Rochelais pack
Last week, at UBB and therefore a direct competitor in the finals of the Top 14, the Maritimes easily won (11-26).
The reason for such a gap: the overwhelming dominance of the pack.
Bis repeated this evening, where the La Rochelle forwards imposed their physical superiority to win.
The workforce has something to dream about: Aldritt, Skelton, Vito, Bourgarit, Atonio, Gourdon, Liebenberg, Priso… A formidable strike force.
Kevin Gourdon, definitely back at the top level
The third international line Kévin Gourdon is having a very high-end 2020-2021 exercise after a few dull seasons, by his own admission.
And he proved again tonight that he is an outstanding puncher.
He covered 98 yards with the ball in hand, and adjusted two passes after contact.
His races in the heart of the defense were a continual poison, and notably led to the first try of Leyds (9th).
Simply essential.
How I've missed watching Kevin Gourdon play for France.
What a player, what a line to set up that try. # GLOvLAR
- EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) April 2, 2021
The return of internationals
We play the hour of play, and the match has been floating slightly for a few minutes because of the "Cherry and White" who want to break the rhythm.
This is the moment chosen by the maritime staff to bring in the internationals: Uini Atonio brought his weight and his power, Pierre Bourgarit was invaluable in the fight, while Grégory Alldritt still showed his qualities of percussion which make him the one of the best third center line in the world.
The calm and serenity brought by these executives reassured and put the team back on the right track.
Flops
Gloucester not up to par
Yes, Gloucester remained on a good series in the Premiership, the English championship.
Yes, she had won over Ulster (38-34) in the fall during the group stage.
But the gap was visible between the two teams tonight at Kingsholm Stadium.
In difficulty in the Premiership (11th out of 12) this year, the English had already taken a suitcase in Lyon (55-10) and decided to distort the pace so as not to allow the 2nd of the Top 14 to unfold.
A profitable tactic, but which illustrates the difference in level between the two teams.
The indiscipline of the Rochelais
Thirteen.
Thirteen whistles against Stade Rochelais.
A figure far removed from the standards of a team which has made its discipline one of its golden rules.
Tackling without a ball, hazardous scratching, coarse offside….
So many faults which annoyed Ronan O'Gara in the stands, and which left the English in the match thanks to Barton's boot against the poles.
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Champions Cup schedule and results