Top 14: Toulon end understrength La Rochelle's winning run

Ronan O’Gara opted to make additional changes as well as missing his French internationals

Toulon's Argentinian flanker Facundo Isa (C) is tackled as he runs with the ball during the French Top 14 rugby union match between Rugby Club Toulonnais (Toulon) and Stade Rochelais (La Rochelle) at Stade Mayol in Toulon. Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images.

La Rochelle’s four-match winning streak in all competitions screeched to a halt as a stripped-down side lost a hard-fought Top 14 match at Toulon 25-23.

Already without France internationals Reda Wardi, Uini Atonio, Paul Boudehent, Gregory Alldritt, and Jonathan Danty – and with Pierre Bourgarit Ultan Dillane and Raymond Rhule on the injury list – head coach Ronan O’Gara opted to make additional changes, with Teddy Iribaren and Ihaia West starting at the hinge, with Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Antoine Hastoy on the bench, alongside Will Skelton.