Harlequins knock Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle out of Champions Cup
La Rochelle’s Head Coach Ronan O'Gara speaks to the media after the match. Pic: Billy Stickland
Harlequins defied their abysmal domestic form to knock Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle out of the Investec Champions Cup at Stade Marcel Deflandre and secure home advantage in the round of 16.
England fly-half Marcus Smith was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle on Jules Favre in the 56th minute but upon his return, Quins produced the matchwinning moment against the 2022 and 2023 champions.
It was Tom Lawday who delivered the decisive score with eight minutes remaining by storming over with a strong run down the right wing after being given sight of the line by a long pass from Jarrod Evans.
Man of the match Smith converted the try and added a late penalty to begin the celebrations, in the process leaving European heavyweights La Rochelle to reflect on their shock group exit from the competition.
With the score tied at 17-17 heading into the final 10 minutes, Harlequins kept their nerve to complete a famous win that means they finish Pool Three in second place behind Leinster.
The success in European action has proved to be a refuge for the London club, who have sunk to ninth in the Gallagher Prem and recently issued an apology to fans.
Leyds; Niniashvili, Seuteni, Daunivucu, Bollengier; West, Berjon; Kaddouri, Latu, Atonio (capt), Kante Samba, Boudehent, Jegou, Botia, Cancoriet.
Lespiaucq, Wardi, Sclavi, Kuntelia, Alldritt, Fraindt, Favre, Nowell.
T Green; David, Northmore, Bradley, Murley; Smith, Friday; Kerrod, Walker, Delgado, Launchbury, Petti, Cunningham-South, Kenningham, Dombrandt (capt).
Riley, Hobson, Williams, Treadwell, Carr, Lawday, M Green, Evans.
Andrea Piardi (Ita)
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