La Rochelle V Leinster: Winners and Losers as Ireland Stars ‘Utterly Relentless’ in Jacques Nienaber’s ‘Suffocating’ Defence
Leinster's 16-14 win over La Rochelle at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre on Sunday left fans buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming Champions Cup knockout stages. While the victory secured a crucial away win for Leinster, the match was filled with key moments and standout performances. Here’s our rundown of the winners and losers from this intense battle.
Caelan Doris: A Defensive Machine
When it comes to sheer defensive work rate, Caelan Doris was absolutely exceptional. Known for his explosive ball-carrying ability, Doris showed another side of his game on Sunday—his brilliance without the ball. His dominance at the breakdowns was a crucial factor in Leinster’s defensive strength, and many were left in awe of his ability to frustrate La Rochelle's attacking efforts.
Doris’ performance under Jacques Nienaber’s defensive system is a testament to his rising reputation and versatility in the back row. As the Six Nations nears, this was a performance to build on for the Ireland international.
Josh Van Der Flier: Relentless Defensive Effort
Van der Flier, alongside Doris, formed a formidable back-row duo that was absolutely relentless throughout the match. His defensive work rate was off the charts, often getting Leinster out of tight situations and playing a key role in preventing La Rochelle from gaining the upper hand.
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