Vincent Bissonet representing Midi Olympique’s website expressed his disappointment over La Rochelle’s performance, emphasising their inability to make a significant impact on the game apart from during the first-half injury time when Louis Penverne scored their only try. He suggested that because Ronan O’Gara’s team didn’t have enough ball possession to use offensively, they regularly found themselves on the defensive. Even when they had ball possession, their efforts to convert into points were often challenged, highlighting their struggles in their maul attempts and launch plays. Though employing a kicking game could’ve worked to their advantage, it wasn’t utilised enough to take full advantage of the available space. Bissonet accredited much of this to Leinster’s robust defence led by Jacques Nienaber.
In the same media outlet, Nicolas Zinardi gave special praise to Leinster’s Jamison Gibson-Park and James Lowe. He attributed Leinster’s victory largely to the outstanding display from the New Zealand duo, Gibson-Park and Lowe. He noted this victory as Leinster’s payback against the reigning champions in their fifth encounter. Among the La Rochelle team, Levani Botia was the sole player who was exonerated from criticism for the overall dismal performance. However, under the ‘Flops’ section, Tawera Kerr Barlow, captain Grégory Alldritt and Uini Atonio were criticised for their performances falling short of their usual standards.
In the publication ‘Sud Ouest’, Benjamin Deudon’s piece titled ‘Leinster delivers a harsh lesson to La Rochelle’ encapsulated the day’s events. He noted that the Rochelais didn’t stand a chance this time and the widening points margin (32-23 in the semi-final of 2021) indicated the current standing between Leinster and Stade Rochelais. He highlighted the significance of the defeat which marked an end to Les Maritimes’ 10-match winning streak in the knock-out phase – a record in the competition – following Leinster’s successful streak breaking over rivals in the Champions Cup last December.
The French sporting newspaper, L’Equipe, reported on the shellshocked state of ‘La Rochelle’ after they lost to ‘Leinster’, with journalist Yann Sternis describing the scene on the pitch after the final whistle. A notable dimension of the game was how disconcerted the Rochelais appeared, being seen on the pitch, hands on hips, seemingly in a trance despite the close of the game only a few minutes prior.
In addition, L’Equipe expresses admiration for Leinster’s scrum-half, Jamison Gibson-Park. Following his hat-trick against Leicester the previous week, Gibson-Park proved to be the man of the hour once more, giving a stellar performance. His high-paced strategy proved to be crucial to the game as it not only suited his style but also allowed him to govern the match. He was influential in the match, assisting in Lowe’s first try, scoring the second and substantially improving his team’s offensive play. He was applauded off the pitch at the Aviva Stadium after just shy of the full 80 minutes, cementing his status as Leinster’s new lead, following in the footsteps of Johnny Sexton.
In other news, Scott Bemand’s Irish team secured their initial victory in the Six Nations Championship, triumphing 36-5 over Wales owing to their outstanding performance.
Commenting on his teammate, Leinster’s captain Caelan Doris praised Gibson-Park saying, “Jamison is extraordinary…He maintains such high energy, whilst still being unpredictable yet conforming to our strategy…We all thrive off running lines beside him.”
Finally, Ballyclare ensured their place in senior rugby in the upcoming Eaton All-Ireland League Division 2C campaign, having edged Leinster victors Monkstown 33-28 in an intensely fought AIL Provincial League Championship final held in Navan. Though Mike Orchin-McKeever’s team entered the match as favourites, bearing both the All-Ireland Men’s Junior Cup and Ulster Rugby Championship Division One Titles, an injury-time attempt helped clinch this victory.
Despite an early try from John Dever putting them on the back foot, Ballyclare managed to stage an effective comeback thanks to tries by Alex Darrah and Matthew Coulter and the precise goal-kicking of Matthew McDowell. These efforts enabled them a substantial lead of 23-7 at half-time.
Nevertheless, Monkstown made an outstanding comeback in the second half, hammering in three fresh tries, which included consecutive efforts by Conor Hurley and Schalk Jooste. Their hard work seemed to be rewarded when Jooste made a crucial crossing at the 76th minute, this put the Dublin team ahead at 28-26. There was a growing anticipation that Paddy Thornton’s team could clinch a remarkable comeback victory. Yet, time was still on Ballyclare’s side, leaving enough room for centre, Joel McBride, to retaliate.
Ballyclare’s captain made a definitive breakthrough, scoring the pivotal try just before the final whistle. McDowell’s conversion secured them an additional 18 points – a critical contribution in such a high-stakes promotion final. Monkstown are poised for another shot to re-enter senior club rugby after their hiatus since 2003. Their next challenge lies in facing Bangor in a playoff on April 27th.