Ronan O'Gara and La Rochelle tighten grip on Top 14 play-off berth

The win came at a cost as captain Gregory Alldritt and fellow backrow Patrick Sobela are early doubts for next weekend’s trip to Pau after picking up knee injuries, the former in a clash with international team-mate Posolo Tuilagi.

Ronan O'Gara looks on. Pic: ROMAIN PERROCHEAU / AFP

Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle gave themselves every chance of qualifying for the Top 14 play-offs with a bonus-point five-try 38-15 win over struggling Perpignan at Stade Marcel Deflandre.

But their fifth victory in a row, ensuring they head into the final round of the regular season in sixth place – came at a price.