| La Rochelle: (21) 45 |
| Tries: Bourgarit, Skelton, Seuteni 2, Thomas 2, Sclavi Cons: Hastoy 5 |
| Leicester: (7) 12 |
| Tries: Martin, Kelly Con: Shillcock |
La Rochelle ran in seven tries to crush Leicester as the Tigers lost their unbeaten record in the Champions Cup.
The French side, European champions for the last two years, never looked back after Pierre Bougarit’s early try.
Will Skelton and UJ Seuteni crossed before half-time, while George Martin grabbed the Tigers’ first try.
Two tries for Teddy Thomas, one for Joel Sclavi and another for Seuteni sealed the hosts’ first pool win, while Dan Kelly scored a late consolation.
The result moves La Rochelle into fourth and final qualifying place in Pool 4, one place and two points behind Sale who they play next Sunday for a place in the last 16.
Leicester are in third and host pool leaders Leinster at Welford Road on Saturday.
Tigers fail to take advantage of La Rochelle indiscipline
Following defeats in their first two fixtures, Leicester’s visit was a huge game for La Rochelle but they were never in any trouble once hooker Bougarit had rumbled over the line early in the game.
They were even strong enough to fend off Leicester when reduced in numbers because of three yellow cards, with lock Ultan Dillane the first to go to the sin-bin after 12 minutes.
The Tigers could not take advantage of having a man extra, and Ronan O’Gara’s side extended their lead when second row Skelton thundered over for a second converted try for La Rochelle.
Martin’s close quarters effort briefly gave the Tigers hope, but La Rochelle went into the break 21-7 up after Seuteni ended a fine move after the first half had gone past 40 minutes.
Thomas crossed for his first early in the second half, before La Rochelle went down to 13 men when first Skelton and then Jonathan Danty were sin-binned within a minute of each other.
But Leicester conceded another try even while two men to the good, and prop Sclavi powered over after an hour.
Thomas and Seuteni added their second tries, the latter being the only one that Antoine Hastoy failed to convert, while Kelly’s fine chip and chase to score was the last action of a statement win for the reigning champions.
Line-ups
La Rochelle: Dulin; Thomas, Seuteni, Danty, Leyds; Hastoy, Kerr-Barlow; Wardi, Bourgarit, Atonio, Dillane, Skelton, Boudehent, Botia, Alldritt (capt).
Replacements: Lespiaucq, Sclavi, Kuntelia, Picquette, Cancoriet, Tanga, Berjon, Reus.
Yellow cards: Dillane (12), Skelton (50), Danty (51)
Leicester Tigers: Brown; Simmons, Kelly, Kata, Bassett; Shillcock, Youngs; Cronin, Montoya (capt), Cole, Martin, Chessum, Rogerson, Cracknell, Hatherell.
Replacements: Theobald-Thomas, Van Wyk, Heyes, Carter, Wiese, Whiteley, Pollard, Scott.
Referee: Andy Brace (Ire)
