La Rochelle Rugby made headlines once again as they triumphed against ASM Clermont with a narrow 20-15 victory on December 21, 2024, at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre. This match proved pivotal for La Rochelle, who aimed to bolster their standings after suffering two consecutive losses prior to this encounter.
From the outset, the atmosphere bristled with anticipation. The Maritimes, having performed excellently against European competition, geared up to impress their home fans—especially after dragging themselves through some difficult games recently.
The game kicked off with immediate intensity. Ihaia West opened the scoring for La Rochelle with a precise kick from 50 meters, making it 3-0 just three minutes in. Both sides soon found themselves grappling with indiscipline, evidenced by the early introduction of yellow cards, which would become prevalent throughout the match. La Rochelle capitalized on this early momentum, culminating in their first try as Teddy Thomas powered through to score, with West successfully converting the try and pushing the score to 10-0.
Clermont was not to be easily dismissed. Gritty and resilient, they sought to respond quickly, but the referee's decisions—including multiple yellow cards—tilted the game’s dynamics. The visitors labored under the weight of their indiscretions but eventually cracked the scoreboard with Benjamin Urdapilleta’s successful penalty kick, reducing the gap to 10-3.
The first half continued with La Rochelle maintaining their lead, even as tension escalated. Following some more heavy tackles, and subsequent yellow cards exchanged, the local side seized another opportunity. Ultan Dillane’s dazzling solo effort saw him break through the defense and dot down for another try, stretching the home team’s lead to 17-3 by halftime.
Entering the second-half, momentum shifted. Clermont came out with renewed energy. They attacked relentlessly, showcasing their prowess, but La Rochelle's defense held firmly. The game witnessed its final turning point when Thomas Berjon's slip and foul play resulted not only in another yellow card but also another try for Clermont due to the penalty try awarded for their 14-player violation. This saw the score tighten to 17-10.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, La Rochelle proved fiercely tenacious, leveraging the experience and composure of their seasoned players. West stood out not just as a kicker but as a linchpin of creative play, scoring another penalty and trying to provide some breathing space at 20-10.
But just as it seemed La Rochelle would comfortably navigate the final phase, Clermont rebounded with another try by Alivereti Raka, drawing the score closer at 20-15. The final quarter of the match reflected the incredible competitive spirit within French rugby. Both teams exchanged desperate and thrilling attacks, leaving fans at the edge of their seats.
With less than five minutes to go, Clermont mounted what could have been the final assault only to be matched with key defensive interventions by La Rochelle, who showed why they are one of the top contenders for the championship. A final push from Clermont was thwarted as they struggled to break through the resolute defenses of La Rochelle, with the match winding down to its conclusion.
Ronan O’Gara’s men celebrated their hard-earned victory, but the match also left Clermont with much to ponder, as they couldn’t capitalize on their recent winning streak. The final whistle echoed around Deflandre, signaling both the end of the year at home for La Rochelle and the beginning of thinking about their upcoming challenges.
Looking forward, La Rochelle is now placed to ramp up their performance as they head to Perpignan for their final match of 2024. Clermont, having taken home only one defensive bonus point from this tussle, now has to regroup before hosting Montpellier.
The Top 14 remains as unpredictable as ever; each match can alter rankings rapidly. With the round of 12 complete, fans are eager to see how teams will navigate adversity as they march toward the ultimate prize of the Bouclier de Brennus. You can trust, the fervor and passion of French rugby is far from diminished!
