Heart-stopping Champions Cup tie sees Munster survive

La Rochelle 24, Munster 25

WHEN it comes to Champions Cup time you can never write off Munster. In a pulsating last 16 fixture this evening the two-times winners put in a performance that graphically declared their determination to go far in this season’s campaign. It was a hugely physical battle that had everything that knock-out rugby is all about and it went right down to the final seconds. The game was barely underway when the French side got over for a touchdown, but it was ruled out by the TMO. La Rochelle kept the pressure on and they were rewarded when Levani Botia touched down and Ihaia West converted with 11 minutes played. Munster then clicked into action and they were rewarded when Craig Casey scampered over at the other end and Jack Crowley converted to level the tie at 7-7 after 24 minutes. On the stroke of half time the home side got their heads in front again, Ihaia West kicking a penalty to put his side three points ahead, and this game was certainly living up to expectations.

Munster levelled thanks to a penalty by Jackie Crowley in the 42nd minute and three minutes later, they jumped into a 10-17 lead when Gavin Coombes blocked a clearance and raced over with Crowley adding the extras. The crucial next score went to La Rochelle when referee Andrea Piardi awarded a penalty try that restored confidence and at 17-22 this game was still in the melting pot. A drop goal by Jack Crowley, who had a brilliant game, put Munster 17-25 to the good but with only minutes to go La Rochelle struck again with a converted try to set up a nail-biting few minutes. With only a single point now between the sides, Ronan O’Gara’s side fought their way to within scoring distance, a drop goal appeared to be an option but referee Andrea Piardi awarded a penalty to the visitors which Conor Murray delighted booted into the crowd.

La Rochelle: Dillyn Leyds; Jack Nowell, Teddy Thomas, UJ Seuteni, Hoani Bosmorin; Ihaia West, Tawera Kerr-Barlow; Reda Wardi, Pierre Bourgarit, Uini Atonio; Thomas Lavault, Will Skelton; Levani Botia, Oscar Jegou, Grégory Alldritt (capt)
Replacements: Quentin Lespiaucq, Alexandre Kaddouri, Aleksandre Kuntelia, Ultan Dillane, Judicael Cancoriet, Matthias Haddad, Antoine Hastoy, Jules Favre
Munster: Thaakir Abrahams; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Seán O’Brien, Andrew Smith; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron, Oli Jager; Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne (capt); Peter O’Mahony, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Niall Scannell, Josh Wycherley, Stephen Archer, Fineen Wycherley, Tom Ahern, Conor Murray, Rory Scannell, Alex Kendellen.
Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR)

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