In a thrilling encounter at the Marcel Deflandre stadium, Munster edged past La Rochelle with a narrow victory of 25-24 in the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup on April 5, 2025. The match, which kicked off at 18:30, was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the resilience and tenacity of both teams.
La Rochelle, the two-time reigning champions of the Champions Cup, entered the match amid a troubling run of form, having not secured a win in their last eight matches across all competitions. Currently sitting 10th in the Top 14, the team was desperate for a turnaround against a formidable Munster side, who were looking to make a statement on French soil.
Right from the start, the atmosphere was electric, with fans filling the stands of Marcel Deflandre. La Rochelle's captain, Grégory Alldritt, led his team onto the field, hoping to ignite a spark in their season. The Rochelais made a promising start when Botia scored the opening try, converted by West, putting La Rochelle ahead 7-0 early in the match.
However, the Munster squad, known for their resilience and tactical prowess, quickly responded. Casey scored a try for the Irish side, leveling the score at 7-7 after Crowley successfully converted. The back-and-forth nature of the match continued as La Rochelle regained the lead with a penalty from West, making it 10-7 at halftime.
The second half saw Munster ramp up the pressure, with Coombes scoring to give them a 17-10 lead. Despite the setback, La Rochelle fought back, and a penalty try awarded to them, coupled with a yellow card for Munster’s Kendellen, brought the score to 22-17 in favor of the home side.
In a dramatic turn, Munster’s Crowley showcased his kicking skills with a drop goal from 30 meters, pushing the score to 25-17. But La Rochelle was not finished yet. In the dying moments of the match, Bosmorin scored a try, narrowing the deficit to just one point at 24-25 after Hastoy's conversion.
As the clock ticked down, La Rochelle launched a final offensive, desperately seeking the try that would clinch the game. With a penalty awarded deep in Munster territory, they had one last chance to secure victory. However, a series of errors and relentless Munster defense thwarted their efforts, sealing the game for the Irish side.
Post-match, La Rochelle’s coach Ronan O’Gara expressed disappointment at the outcome but acknowledged the effort shown by his players. "We fought hard, but it just wasn’t enough today. We have to learn from this and focus on the remaining matches in the Top 14," he said.
On the other side, Munster’s victory propels them into the next round, where they will face either UBB or Ulster. Munster's coach praised his team’s determination, stating, "We showed great character today. Every player stepped up when it mattered the most, and that’s what this competition is all about."
This match not only highlighted the competitive spirit of European rugby but also marked the end of La Rochelle's European campaign for this season. With their domestic struggles continuing, the team will need to regroup quickly to salvage their season in the Top 14.
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, fans are left eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the Champions Cup and the future performances of both these storied clubs.
