Top 14: Much-changed La Rochelle lose out at Montpellier

Ronan O'Gara rested 12 players ahead of the Champions Cup decider against Leinster. 

DUBLIN-BOUND: La Rochelle's coach and Irish Examiner columnist, Ronan O'Gara. Picture: Valentine CHAPUIS / AFP Images)

A hardly recognisable La Rochelle lost an enthralling Top 14 game of two halves 42-31 at Montpellier, as head coach Ronan O’Gara rested 12 key players ahead of Saturday’s Champions Cup final against Leinster.

Jonathan Danty and Yoann Tanga went straight into the Rochelais’ starting line-up on their comebacks from injury, while Levani Botia played 18 minutes off the bench. All three will be in the reckoning for the big rematch at the Aviva.