Tops
La Rochelle well present in the last four
The test was daunting, and it was successfully passed without too much fear by the Rochelais, winners 24-10 of Saracens: the defending champion will be well at the rendezvous of the semi-finals of the Champions Cup against Exeter during the weekend of April 29.
With the efficiency of the big teams, the Maritimes have raised their level after a mixed performance against Gloucester in the quarter-finals last week (29-26).
Facing Exeter, they will once again be favorites to return to the final a year after their coronation in Marseille against Leinster (24-21).
The ground game, founding basis
The basis of the success of Stade Rochelais.
Where the La Rochelle forwards found support in the collisions and in the combat phases, the scratchers simply won the match on their own.
For 20 minutes (10th-30th), the Sarries tried to set the pace to cause movement in the La Défense rochelaise and disorganize the scratchers.
Without success, since Alldritt, Botia, Danty, Skelton were essential to cut off the opposing initiatives.
Ubiquitous Botia
What a brilliant return from the third Fijian!
Levani Botia, 34 years old, 9 of whom spent in the coastal town in the south-west of France, had lost his luster in recent months, even in recent seasons.
Replaced from the center to the third row, the former septist was the spearhead of the Rochelais pack in the ground game.
He scratched four balls on the ground, adjusted some devastating tackles (49th), and delivered an assist for Kerr-Barlow on the second try (57th).
Released under the standing ovation - more than deserved - from his audience at the hour of play (60th).
The impressive streak continues
The love of Les Rochelais and the Champions Cup continues: it's been 14 consecutive meetings that Grégory Alldritt's teammates have not known defeat in intercontinental competition.
A long series which will have the opportunity to lengthen against Exeter at the end of the month in Bordeaux, at Matmut Atlantique.
flops
Too many inaccuracies in the standing game
The flattering score does not allow to question the success, but there is no doubt that Ronan O'Gara expected more from his men offensively.
Handball errors took over from rough passing, when technical errors weren't the cause of the Maritimes' loss of balls.
The hallmark of great teams, some would say.
But against Leinster or Stade Toulousain, it is obvious that this offensive copy would have been prohibitive.
Saracens too unruly
Triple winner of the Champions Cup (2016, 2017 and 2019), the Sarries have realized that their return to the highest European level could be more complicated than expected, where three-four teams seem to stand out on paper (Leinster, Toulouse , La Rochelle and the Sharks).
With a workforce built around aging stars, the rest promises to be difficult for Londoners to find the top of the Champions Cup.