Summary

  • La Rochelle to face Exeter Chiefs in semi-final at end of April

  • Tawera Kerr-Barlow scores La Rochelle's two tries either side of half-time

  • Saracens' Billy Vunipola carried off on stretcher in first half

  1. Goodbyepublished at 17:18 British Summer Time 9 April 2023

    FT: La Rochelle 24-10 Saracens

    That's all from us - thanks for joining our coverage.

    Saracens are out of Europe but La Rochelle's title defence is alive and well and they will face Exeter in Bordeaux in the semi-final.

    You can read my colleague Phil Cartwright's report here.

    Until next time...

  2. 'It's a special place'published at 17:13 British Summer Time 9 April 2023

    FT: La Rochelle 24-10 Saracens

    Speaking to BT Sport, La Rochelle head coach Ronan O'Gara said: "It's a great performance because we never gave in mentally. Saracens have a great mindset and are founded on doggedness and respect and we knew we would be tested.

    "We never put them away but the game was based on fine margins. What was pleasing was that we didn't give them scores. We are very happy. It's a special place and it's important for me as a coach to connect with the boys and we represent the town well."

  3. Man of the match - Levani Botiapublished at 17:07 British Summer Time 9 April 2023

    FT: La Rochelle 24-10 Saracens

    No prizes for guessing who was named as man of the match.

    Levani Botia was unplayable at the breakdown and made Tawera Kerr-Barlow's second try.

    Hats off to that man.

    BotiaImage source, Getty Images
  4. Semi-final drawpublished at 17:03 British Summer Time 9 April 2023

    FT: La Rochelle 24-10 Saracens

    We now know the semi final line up in this season's Heineken Champions Cup.

    • Leinster v Toulouse
    • La Rochelle v Exeter
  5. Full-time - La Rochelle 24-10 Saracenspublished at 16:59 British Summer Time 9 April 2023

    La Rochelle's title defence remains alive. They will face Exeter in Bordeaux in the semi-final.

  6. No try - La Rochelle 24-10 Saracenspublished at 78 mins

    Romain Sazy did indeed knock the ball on and the try is rules out.

    But it won't matter and La Rochelle are nearly there.

  7. try

    Try - La Rochelle 29-10 Saracenspublished at 78 mins

    Yoan Tanga

    La Rochelle are home and hosed and Yoan Tanga is over for their third try.

    But was the ball knocked on by Romain Sazy in the line-out?

  8. Postpublished at 78 mins

    La Rochelle 24-10 Saracens

    With two minutes to go, there is surely no way back for Sarries now.

    La Rochelle are poised to book their place in the semi-finals.

  9. Postpublished at 77 mins

    La Rochelle 24-10 Saracens

    Will Skelton receives treatmentImage source, Getty Images

    Will Skelton is taken off the field in a neck brace to a standing ovation. He's been colossal for the hosts.

  10. Sin-bin - Tom Woolstencroft (Saracens)published at 76 mins

    La Rochelle 24-10 Saracens

    Tom Woolstencroft is shown a yellow card for making contact with the head of Will Skelton as he attempts to clear the ruck.

    It could be deemed a harsh decision but it will 14 v 14 for the rest of this game.

  11. Postpublished at 75 mins

    La Rochelle 24-10 Saracens

    Maro Itoje is over the line but he is held up. La Rochelle will have the drop out from behind their try line.

    What defence.

  12. Sin-bin - Brice Dulin (La Rochelle)published at 73 mins

    La Rochelle 24-10 Saracens

    This could be the lifeline Saracens have so desperately needed.

    Brice Dulin is sent to the bin for a high tackle on Alex Lewington.

    The hosts will play the rest of the game with 14 men. The visitors have to score now.

  13. Postpublished at 71 mins

    La Rochelle 24-10 Saracens

    La Rochelle have been superb in defence and their blitz is working so well at restricting Saracens.

    Alex Lewington is thrown the ball but UJ Seuteni smashes him.

  14. Penalty - La Rochelle 24-10 Saracenspublished at 68 mins

    Antoine Hastoy

    The boot of Antoine Hastoy continues to do the damage.

    The La Rochelle fly-half successfully kicks another penalty and the lead grows to 14 points.

    The clock is ticking down for Saracens.

  15. Postpublished at 67 mins

    La Rochelle 21-10 Saracens

    Bang.

    Tom Woolstencroft is hammered by Jonathan Danty in midfield.

    Saracens cannot recycle the ball at the breakdown and La Rochelle have the penalty.

    Here comes the shot at goal.

  16. try

    Converted Try - La Rochelle 21-10 Saracenspublished at 65 mins

    Eroni Mawi (con Owen Farrell)

    Saracens have their first try as Eroni Mawi powers over from close range.

    Owen Farrell adds the conversion and the lead is cut to 11 points.

    They couldn't, could they?

  17. Postpublished at 62 mins

    La Rochelle 21-3 Saracens

    Now then.

    Saracens have the penalty and Owen Farrell sticks the ball into touch.

    Here comes the heave from the Premiership side.

  18. Postpublished at 61 mins

    La Rochelle 21-3 Saracens

    Referee Andrew Brace signalsImage source, Getty Images

    The home fans are baying for blood.

    Brice Dulin chips through before running straight into Mako Vunipola.

    There is only one winner in that contest but the prop does not move and Dulin is adjudged to have run into him.

  19. try

    Try - La Rochelle 21-3 Saracenspublished at 58 mins

    Tawera Kerr-Barlow

    Levani Botia has been excellent in defence but this is all about the flanker in attack.

    He throws the dummy and glides past Owen Farrell before feeding Tawera Kerr-Barlow on the inside for a run in.

    Antoine Hastoy misses the conversion but La Rochelle are cruising.

  20. Postpublished at 55 mins

    La Rochelle 16-3 Saracens

    Alex Goode times his run brilliantly but Max Malins' pass is off target and the full-back knocks on.

    That could have been seven points but Saracens are missing a clinical edge.