Leinster win in La Rochelle - grit or alarm bells?
The Counter Ruck Podcast
The Counter Ruck Podcast
Province’s defence held firm against French side that snatched victory with a last-minute try in the 2022 Champions Cup final
O’Gara says La Rochelle’s performance against Leinster had been their best of the season so far
No doubt Leinster’s players are relishing heightened defensive work ethic under influence of Jacques Nienaber
‘I hope we get another crack later in the season because our boys can do better and will do better’
Irish province hang on for victory in tremendous battle at Stade Marcel Deflandre
Skipper Caelan Doris makes 28 tackles and Josh van der Flier 21 as Leinster secure win over Ronan O’Gara’s side
It’s doubtful Leinster have ever picked a bench as strong as the one selected for Sunday’s big Champions Cup showdown
It would be fascinating to see the Cork coach try to translate his French success to Test level
Sunday’s match against La Rochelle offers another benchmarking opportunity to see how Leinster’s evolution in style is progressing
La Rochelle lock has proved Leinster’s nemesis during his outstanding career but is struggling with an ankle injury in advance of this week’s showdown between the sides
A decision on Mack Hansen’s disciplinary hearing will not be made until Thursday
Hugo Keenan has not played since damaging a wrist in Ireland’s victory over Australia in the Autumn Nations series
The Irish challenge for the Champions Cup is reliant on Leinster, and that is not healthy for Irish rugby
‘I’d prefer Ireland, England or France,’ says La Rochelle head coach on his future ambitions
French top-tier league has on and off-field buoyancy like no other league in the world
Leo Cullen’s side will open their campaign with a trip to Ashton Gate to take on Bristol Bears on Sunday, December 8th
Munster get Northampton and Bulls, Ulster drawn against Toulouse and Leicester
Andy Farrell could yet again benefit from Leo Cullen’s exceptional talent as a selector
Routing of La Rochelle a huge vindication for Leinster coach Leo Cullen’s selection strategy
Referee Karl Dickson was very much centre stage but there was no disputing Leinster’s superiority against La Rochelle this time around
‘They’re very important moments … it’s pretty swirly in the Aviva. Thankfully they went over today’
Jacques Nienaber effect kicks in as Leinster find their defensive edge - and sharpen their attack before a fully engaged 51,700 crowd at the Aviva Stadium
Lock has blended remarkable athleticism with a dedication to hard graft
‘Hopefully EPCR price the tickets appropriately for an 82,000 venue because you want a big crowd, don’t you’
The Offload: Jacques Nienaber’s influence seen as crucial in ending La Rochelle’s European reign
Leo Cullen’s side book semi-final date at Croke Park against Northampton after victory over defending champions
Leo Cullen desperately hoping a huge home crowd will be drawn to Croke Park in three weeks’ time
Every time La Rochelle staged a mini revival, Leinster found a riposte
Irish province beat their old nemesis and look forward to Croke Park semi-final
Several outstanding performances from the backline as Leinster blew their opponents away
All you need to know ahead of the fifth meeting of these European rivals in this weekend’s Champions Cup quarter-final action
Ciarán Frawley will start at fullback with Harry Byrne coming on to the replacements bench
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