Premiership Rugby

La Rochelle Overpower Bristol Bears To Remain Undefeated In Champions Cup

La Rochelle Overpower Bristol Bears To Remain Undefeated In Champions Cup

Stade Rochelle/La Rochelle overpower the Bristol Bears in their Investec Champions Cup Pool two clash at Stade Marcel-Deflandre.

Dec 14, 2024 by Philip Bendon
La Rochelle Overpower Bristol Bears To Remain Undefeated In Champions Cup

La Rochelle stormed to a comprehensive 35-7 victory over the Bristol Bears in their Investec Champions Cup clash on Saturday, showcasing their dominance in front of a raucous home crowd.

Jack Nowell opened the scoring for La Rochelle in the 16th minute, finishing off a sweeping move with a clinical try. Tolu Latu added another in the 27th minute, with Ihaia West converting both to give the reigning champions a 14-0 lead.

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The Bears responded just before halftime with a well-worked try by Jack Bates, converted by Sam Worsley, narrowing the deficit to 14-7 at the break. However, it was as close as the visitors would get.

La Rochelle took complete control in the second half, using their physicality and attacking precision to dismantle the Bears’ defence. Levani Botia powered over in the 50th minute, followed by a stunning individual effort from UJ Seuteni in the 65th. Thomas Berjon sealed the bonus-point win in the dying minutes, capping off a brilliant display with a try under the posts.

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West was flawless from the tee, converting all five of La Rochelle’s tries to contribute 10 points. The French side’s depth shone through, with impactful performances from substitutes like Botia and Ultan Dillane.

For the Bears, indiscipline proved costly. Gabriel Oghre’s early yellow card set a poor tone, and their inability to sustain possession left them under constant pressure. Despite flashes of promise, including Bates’ try, the English side struggled to match La Rochelle’s intensity and accuracy.

The result cements La Rochelle’s status as tournament favourites, while Bristol faces an uphill battle to recover in the competition.

What's Next For Stade Rochelais and the Bristol Bears In Champions Cup?

Stade Rochelais will host Leinster at 10:15 a.m. ET on Jan. 11 in one of the most anticipated matches of the competition. The Bears will host Benetton at 10.15 am ET on Jan. 12.  

Investec Champions Cup 2024-2025 Round 1 Results

Investec Champions Cup Fixtures In Round 2

All Times Eastern. 

Investec Champions Cup Fixtures In Round 3

Investec Champions Cup Fixtures In Round 4

Investec Champions Cup Format 

Key points of the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup:

  • A multi-pool format, as launched in the 2023-2024 season
  • 24 elite clubs - eight each from the Gallagher Premiership, URC and TOP 14 - in four pools of six
  • Sporting jeopardy, with each club playing against four different opponents, home or away, in the pool stage
  • Four highest-ranked clubs in each pool qualify for the Round of 16
  • The Investec Champions Cup will be played over eight weekends, with four pool rounds and four knockout rounds culminating in the 2025 final, which will be staged at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Saturday, May 24.

Investec Champions Cup Weekends

  • Round 1 – 6/7/8 December 2024
  • Round 2 – 13/14/15 December 2024
  • Round 3 – 10/11/12 January 2025
  • Round 4 – 17/18/19 January 2025
  • Round of 16 – 4/5/6 April 2025
  • Quarter-finals – 11/12/13 April 2025
  • Semi-finals – 2/3/4 May 2025
  • 2025 Investec Champions Cup final – Saturday, May 24, Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Champions Cup Qualifications 

Twenty-four clubs have qualified for the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup as follows:

  • United Rugby Championship (8): The eight highest-ranked clubs based on their final finishing positions.
  • TOP 14 (8): The eight highest-ranked clubs based on their final finishing positions.
  • Gallagher Premiership Rugby (8): The eight highest-ranked clubs based on their final finishing positions.
  • If not already qualified, the winner of the 2024 Investec Champions Cup will take the place of the eighth-ranked club in its league.

Investec Champions Cup Qualifiers 

  • TOP 14 – Stade Toulousain, Union Bordeaux-Bègles, Stade Français Paris, RC Toulon, Stade Rochelais, Racing 92, Castres Olympique, ASM Clermont Auvergne
  • GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP – Northampton Saints, Bath Rugby, Sale Sharks, Saracens, Bristol Bears, Harlequins, Exeter Chiefs, Leicester Tigers
  • UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP – Glasgow Warriors, Vodacom Bulls, Munster Rugby, Leinster Rugby, DHL Stormers, Ulster Rugby, Benetton Rugby, Hollywoodbets Sharks

When Does The 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup Begin? When Is The Champions Cup Final?

The Investec Champions Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup begin Dec. 6, and the four-round pool-play action ends Jan. 19, 2025. The Round of 16 starts on April 4, while the quarterfinals are April 11-13. The semifinals are May 2-4. 

The EPCR Championships weekend is in Cardiff, Wales at Principality Stadium. There are championship games on May 23 (EPCR Challenge Cup) and May 24 (Investec Champions Cup). 

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