Leinster vs La Rochelle Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Leinster vs La Rochelle taking place? Leinster vs La Rochelle will take place on Saturday 28th May, 2022 at 16:45 (UK)
Where is Leinster vs La Rochelle taking place? Leinster vs La Rochelle will take place at Stade Vélodrome in Marseille
Where can I get tickets for Leinster vs La Rochelle? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Leinster vs La Rochelle on in the UK? Leinster vs La Rochelle will be televised live on BT Sport
Where can I stream Leinster vs La Rochelle? BT Sport subscribers can stream Leinster vs La Rochelle live on the BT Sport Player & app
THE TEAM NEWS
Leinster: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Jimmy O’Brien, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 James Lowe, 10 Johnny Sexton (c), 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Caelan Doris, 5 James Ryan, 4 Ross Molony, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Rónan Kelleher, 1 Andrew Porter
Replacements: 16 Dan Sheehan, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Joe McCarthy, 20 Rhys Ruddock, 21 Luke McGrath, 22 Ross Byrne, 23 Ciaran Frawley
La Rochelle: 15 Brice Dulin, 14 Dillyn Leyds, 13 Jérémy Sinzelle, 12 Jonathan Danty, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Ihaia West, 9 Thomas Berjon, 8 Grégory Alldritt (c), 7 Matthias Haddad, 6 Wiaan Liebenberg, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Thomas Lavault, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Pierre Bourgarit, 1 Dany Priso
Replacements: 16 Facundo Bosch, 17 Reda Wardi, 18 Joel Sclavi, 19 Romain Sazy, 20 Remi Bourdeau, 21 Arthur Retiere, 22 Levani Botia, 23 Jules Favre
THE PREDICTION
La Rochelle lost both of their finals last season to Toulouse in the Top 14 and Champions Cup final but they look capable of outlasting their rivals in both competitions this season after fellow finalists Leinster ousted the defending champions. The Maritimes are riding a three-match streak into the Champions Cup final after a 32-13 victory at home to Stade Francais last Saturday and they have beaten the likes of in-form Racing 92 and Montpellier to reach this stage in recent weeks. The final will be held at the not-so neutral Stade Vélodrome on Saturday, on French soil that should give La Rochelle an extra edge over the tournament favourites.
However, the United Rugby Championship leaders are also riding a three-match winning streak after an impressive 35-25 victory at home to rivals Munster last Saturday and they proved their prowess on the road in the quarter-finals by stunning Premiership leaders Leicester Tigers 14-23. There will be plenty of Irish fans in attendance to try and level out the support in the stadium but backing Leinster to win by a reduced target of -5 looks suitably sensible here.
