South African La Rochelle winger Raymond Rhule (right) scored twice against Sale on Saturday in the Champions Cup quarter-finals. – Xavier Léoty / AFP
It’s historic! For the first time, La Rochelle will participate in a semi-final of the European Rugby Cup. The teammates of international number 8 Grégory Alldritt overwhelmed the English of Sale this Saturday (45-21, six tries to two). After a balanced first half (18-16 at the break), the difference was made in the second half, thanks in particular to doubles from South African winger Raymond Rhule and center Geoffray Doumayrou.
Even before the start of the other three quarter-finals of the Champions Cup, France is guaranteed to have three representatives in the semi-finals (as in 1998, 1999 and 2005) and therefore at least one in the final.
UBB – Racing 92 and Clermont – Toulouse duels
On Sunday, the Union Bordeaux-Bègles indeed receives Racing 92, while Clermont welcomes the Stade Toulousain. The only “exotic” duel, scheduled for this Saturday at the end of the day: that between the English from Exeter, defending champions, and the Irish from Leinster. The draw for the semi-finals is scheduled for Sunday evening.