Special Envoy to Dublin
Last year, Stade Rochelais made a name for itself in Europe by winning, after a showdown of unprecedented intensity, in Marseille, the Champions Cup against Leinster (24-21). Now it's time for confirmation. We take the same ones and start again. Except that, this time, the Maritimes are doomed to an insane feat: overthrow the province of Dublin on its lands, supported by more than 50,000 fans at the Aviva Stadium. But Ronan O'Gara, the Irish manager who transformed the Stade Rochelais, has, as last year, "a plan" for this final: "The plan is organized, it is clear. We have to see if we manage to set it up in a hostile atmosphere..."
The caravel club, now with a star flocked on the jersey, does not advance into the unknown. "We no longer say 'Stade Rochelais' but 'the defending champion'," smiled international hooker Pierre Bourgarit, at the beginning of this new continental campaign. Above all, the Maritimes had a serious psychological advantage over the Leinstermen. They have beaten them in their last two encounters: in the semi-finals, two years ago, and in the final, twelve months ago. Sacred hunting painting. Each time, La Rochelle was not favourite. Each time, the big arms of La Rochelle (Atonio, Alldritt, Skelton, Bourgarit ...) crushed the Irish garrison that makes up the vast majority of the XV du Trèfle, number one in the world ranking of nations and author of the Grand Slam at the last Six Nations Tournament.
"And us, who is going to stop us?"
The Maritimes therefore have no fear at the time of the reunion. Ronan O'Gara confirms it bluntly: "I respect them, but I'm mostly focused on my team and our path to this final. I am asked: "How do I stop Leinster?" But I say, 'Who is going to stop?'" Since the 2021 final lost against Toulouse (17-22), Grégory Alldritt and his teammates have not lost a match in the Champions Cup: 15 wins in a row, a record in progress in the competition. And, after a chaotic start to the season (three home losses), La Rochelle is slowly, but surely, gaining momentum. Still devastating up front, but more inspired behind, with his new recruit, Antoine Hastoy, at the opening.
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"We may exude a lot of serenity from the outside but the group provides a lot of work so that we can have fun on the field," Pierre Bourgarit recently explained. Opposite, Leinster - who have had home-field advantage in their four cup games in this edition - give the impression of being on another planet this season. On one condition: that it be complete. Without its best elements, left to rest, the Dublin province has conceded two defeats this season (plus a draw, in 27 games), against the South African Bulls (62-7) and against Munster (15-16), last weekend, in the semi-finals of the United Rugby Championship (ex-Celtic League).
Today, we have understood that we can be humble and ambitious.
Vincent Merling, President
This Saturday, he will just miss the totemic opener Jonathan Sexton. Regardless, the Rochelais, impressive against Exeter in the semi-final (47-28), remain sure of their strength and their game plan, capable of overthrowing the best. A Rochelle identity that has recently allowed them to change dimension, they who were still evolving in Pro D2 ten years ago. President Vincent Merling, who has known everything with this club, says: "One thing is certain, we have come out of this culture of humility that prevents you from being ambitious. Today, we understood that we can be humble and ambitious." And without complexes.
