So much for the theory that Leinster would bring La Rochelle to a level of exhaustion by relentlessly quick phase play. It meant that if they could compete at the breakdown and slow Leinster’s ball they would be able to get more big shots on carriers in blue. Yes, Leinster were in the game up until the final bend, but they could never get close to dominance. Worryingly for Leinster they conceded a scrum penalty early in the second half which was a huge tonic to La Rochelle. Beaten from a long way out by a physically bruising side, Leinster were a distant second in yesterday’s contest.

Source: Irish Independent May 02, 2021 19:31 UTC