Top 14: Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle rookies come up short in Montpellier

Opener could have been over as a contest by half time but Ihaia West missed two kickable penalties while Quentin Lespiaucq and Judicael Cancoriet conspired to mess up a gift-wrapped try-scoring chance

TRY: La Rochelle's French wing Nathan Bollengier dives over for his first Top 14 try in Montpellier

La Rochelle’s teenage winger Nathan Bollengier scored three minutes into his Top 14 debut and came within inches of grabbing a second as Ronan O’Gara’s side kicked off their 2023-24 Top 14 campaign with a 26-15 defeat at Montpellier.

It was the home side’s first opening day win in six seasons.