La Rochelle fight back from 17-0 down to retain Champions Cup in pulsating Dublin final
George-Henru Colombe powers over for crucial score as French side dominate second half
Leinster scored three tries in first 12 minutes at Aviva Stadium
Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle rally to cut lead to 23-14 at half-time
La Rochelle complete biggest comeback in Champions Cup final history
French side beat Leinster in similar fashion in last year's final
Leinster replacement Michael Ala'alatoa sent off late on for high tackle
Jonathan Danty (con Antoine Hastoy)
Jonathan Danty shows all of his skill and power to score La Rochelle's first try.
The French side release the ball to the backs and Danty smashes through Garry Ringrose before dotting down close to the posts.
Antoine Hastoy adds the conversion and La Rochelle cut the gap to 10 points.
Image source, Getty ImagesLeinster 17-0 La Rochelle
La Rochelle have the shove at the scrum but they are held up over the line.
It means they will have another go to get their first points on the scoreboard.
Leinster 17-0 La Rochelle
Now then, La Rochelle find themselves deep inside the Leinster half for the first time.
You feel like they have to get on the board here if they are to stem the tide.
Leinster 17-0 La Rochelle
Denis Hickie
Former Leinster and Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
La Rochelle have done their homework and they know they will have to make every ruck count.
Dan Sheehan
Dan Sheehan at the double in the corner.
The hooker calls for the ball out wide and Jamison Gibson-Park obliges with a long pass towards the touchline from the base of the ruck.
The yellow shirts cannot cover in time and Leinster have their third try.
Ross Byrne does not make the conversion but Leinster are absolutely cruising.
Image source, Getty ImagesLeinster 12-0 La Rochelle
Denis Hickie
Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
It is great speed and incredibly fast recycling. Now it is the psychology of rugby, how can Leinster keep this going?
Leinster 12-0 La Rochelle
Leinster are so fast at the breakdown and Tawera Kerr-Barlow is shown a yellow card for trying to stop the flow.
The job has just got tougher for La Rochelle.
Leinster 12-0 La Rochelle
When in doubt throw it to the big man.
La Rochelle are just trying to get a foothold in the game and Will Skelton has a go at carrying the ball.
Leinster haul him to the ground and look to compete for the ball on the ground.
Jimmy O'Brien
What a start!
Leinster are playing out of their skins. They move the ball wide with such speed and Jimmy O'Brien is on hand to dot down in the corner.
Ross Byrne misses the conversion but La Rochelle are being blown away in the opening stages.
The defending champions have not landed a shot.
Image source, Getty ImagesLeinster 7-0 La Rochelle
Paul Grayson
Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
If you have the guts to produce a play like that early on you have a chance of catching a team out, what a start for Leinster.
Leinster 7-0 La Rochelle
This stadium is rocking.
James Lowe finds touch with a thumping kick and the crowd respond.
Leinster are flying and La Rochelle look shell-shocked.
Leinster 7-0 La Rochelle
The Aviva was up for this before kick off but that Dan Sheehan try has just upped the ante.
The noise is deafening. How do La Rochelle respond to that early set back?
Dan Sheehan (con R Byrne)
Wow! The fastest Champions Cup final try of all time!
Not even a minute on the clock and Leinster storm into the lead.
Dan Sheehan throws the ball into Jack Conan at the line-out before receiving it back inside and running clear.
One straight off the training paddock and Ross Byrne adds the conversion.
Image source, Getty ImagesLeinster 0-0 La Rochelle
We are up and running in Dublin...
Leinster v La Rochelle (16:45 BST)
BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
As well as reading this thrilling live text, you can also listen to radio commentary over on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra.
Just click the audio link at the top of this page.
Leinster v La Rochelle (16:45 BST)
Brian O'Driscoll speaking on BT Sport: "Ross Byrne has been a facilitator for others to shine.
"We are getting a sense of what life is like after Johnny Sexton, who hasn't played a minute in this campaign. Ross has gone from strength to strength, he needs to lead from the front today and play his usual game."
Leinster v La Rochelle (16:45 BST)
Ugo Monye speaking on BT Sport: "Leinster's 'USP' is their attack and their work rate which underpins everything that they do."
Leinster v La Rochelle (16:45 BST)
Chris Jones
BBC rugby union correspondent at Aviva Stadium
La Rochelle have formed into a pre-match huddle on the Aviva Stadium turf.
It was fascinating to hear their coach Ronan O’Gara talk yesterday about how relaxed their preparation for a big game is compared to his super-intense approach as a player.
He says his time in New Zealand showed him how players all prepare in different ways, and it’s that understanding of his squad and what makes its tick which is one of the reasons he has developed into such an outstanding
Leinster v La Rochelle (16:45 BST)
Speaking to ITV Sport, La Rochelle head coach Ronan O'Gara said: "It's fantastic and really exciting. This is it now, we have pictured it in different ways but it's on us now. It's going to be extremely difficult. There is a path and a way to get what we want out of today, but we need to be brave and attack the day. They [Leinster] have some really good players and we have to leave the emotions to one side.
"We are pretty chilled and we know how good the opposition are but the focus has been on us. The Irish mentality is brilliant and then you see how New Zealand do it, so every day is a learning day for me.
"We play sport and we are here to create memories and enjoy ourselves. If that is good enough to bring medals than brilliant. We care for each other, we are connected and we have a plan."
Leinster v La Rochelle (16:45)
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images