The Stade Rochelais faced a heartbreaking exit from the Champions Cup on April 5, 2025, as they were narrowly defeated by Munster 24-25 in a thrilling eighth-final match at the Marcel Deflandre Stadium. This loss marks the ninth consecutive match without a victory for La Rochelle, intensifying their struggles in both European and domestic competitions.
In a match that showcased intense physicality and fluctuating momentum, La Rochelle initially took the lead with a powerful try from Levani Botia in the 11th minute. The home crowd erupted as Botia crashed over the line, giving the Rochelais a 7-0 advantage. However, the joy was short-lived as Munster quickly responded, leveling the score at 7-7 with a try from Craig Casey just 14 minutes later.
Despite their early success, La Rochelle's performance was marred by critical mistakes and missed opportunities. A yellow card for Ihaia West in the 23rd minute put the home team at a disadvantage, and Munster capitalized on this, with Gavin Coombes scoring a try in the 48th minute to take a 15-10 lead.
As the match progressed, the tension mounted. Munster's Jack Crowley, who was named man of the match, executed a brilliant drop goal in the 68th minute, extending their lead to 25-17. The Rochelais, however, did not back down. They were awarded a penalty try in the 66th minute, narrowing the gap to 22-17, and then scored again through Hoani Bosmorin in the 77th minute, bringing the score to 24-25.
Ronan O'Gara, head coach of La Rochelle, reflected on the match, stating, "This defeat doesn't feel like our previous losses. It was a beautiful match, but we lost again... We are in a negative spiral, and we must focus on saving the club for next season in the Top 14." His sentiments were echoed by second-row Thomas Lavault, who expressed the team's frustration at the ongoing winless streak, thanking the fans for their unwavering support during these tough times.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with La Rochelle initially appearing to have the upper hand. They led 10-7 at halftime thanks to a penalty from West just before the break. However, the second half saw them struggle to maintain their composure, leading to a series of errors that Munster exploited with ruthless efficiency.
As the final whistle blew, La Rochelle's players were left to contemplate another missed opportunity. With their Champions Cup campaign over, their focus now shifts back to the Top 14, where they currently sit in 10th place. They will face Aviron Bayonnais on April 19, 2025, in a crucial match that could determine their fate in the domestic league.
La Rochelle's journey in the Champions Cup was marked by highs and lows, including a dramatic qualification for the knockout stages earlier in the tournament. They had previously secured a stunning victory against the Stormers, a feat no other French club had accomplished in South Africa. However, their inability to convert potential into performance has left them in a precarious position.
Looking ahead, the team must regroup and address the issues that have plagued them throughout the season. The pressure is on as they aim to turn their fortunes around and secure a place in the Top 14 playoffs. With the support of their dedicated fanbase, the Rochelais hope to find their rhythm and restore confidence in the coming weeks.
As the dust settles from this disappointing exit, La Rochelle's players and coaching staff are determined to learn from their mistakes and emerge stronger. The road to recovery begins now, as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in both the Top 14 and beyond.
