La Rochelle close in on top two finish to secure break ahead of Top 14 play-offs

Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle only need a single point at Montpellier to secure direct passage to the semi-finals.

PROGRESS SECURED: La Rochelle Head Coach Ronan O'Gara. Pic: ©INPHO/James Crombie

Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle became the second Top 14 side to confirm their play-off ticket with a bruising, few-holds-barred 23-8 win on the road over Toulon in front of a 43,000-crowd in Marseille.

Stade Francais' earlier defeat at Clermont means that a single point at Montpellier next weekend will be enough to see the Rochelais - overnight Top 14 leaders, with Toulouse playing on Sunday - book direct passage to the semi-finals in San Sebastian.