Top 14 drilldown: A GUBU moment costs La Rochelle dearly

Ronan O'Gara's side led Biarritz by four points in the closing stages of Sunday night's game at the Aguilera Stadium. The hosts kicked a penalty to touch on the 5m line. And then something bizarre happened.

Steffon Armitage celebrates victory for Biarritz Olympique against La Rochelle at the Aguilera Stadium. 

As they did at Stade de France, crowds returned to Top 14 grounds after the French government last week lifted most Covid restrictions in time for Les Bleus’ opener against Italy. And, as in Stade de France, those at club grounds from Biarritz to Nanterre were treated to some thrilling rugby.

What was on display in the French top flight wasn’t always pretty. For the 11 tries at Racing 92 and seven at Perpignan, there were just two at Toulon and Lyon. But it was never less than enthralling. Toulouse’s defeat at Perpignan, Lyon’s comeback victory over rejuvenated Stade Francais, and Castres’ die-hard win at Toulon were dramatic enough - but then Biarritz-La Rochelle happened.