European Challenge Cup: Stade Rochelais 35-11 Worcester Warriors

Andy Symons used the European Challenge Cup in December to return from a knee injury that kept him out for eight months

Worcester finished bottom of European Challenge Cup Pool Four after suffering their fifth straight defeat of the competition in La Rochelle.

Worcester centre Andy Symons and La Rochelle's Zack Holmes traded penalties as scores were locked 6-6 at the break.

Romana Graham and Benjamin Lapeyre went over for La Rochelle before Thomas Synaeghel was sin-binned for the hosts.

Luke Baldwin crossed for Warriors, only for further tries by Kini Murimurivalu and Jone Qovu Nailiko to seal victory.

Worcester's only win on their return to European competition this season came against the French side in the first group game back in November.

Warriors had skipper GJ van Velze back for his first appearance in almost two months, having been out with a knee injury since the 48-18 defeat by Saracens at Twickenham on 28 November.

Warriors also included former Ireland and Lions lock Donncha O'Callaghan in what was otherwise a second-string side.

La Rochelle: Murimurivalu; Lacroix, Barraque, Hingano, Roudil; Holmes, Audy; Seneca, Forbes, Atonio, Lagrange, Cedaro, Sazy, Graham, Nailiko.

Replacements: Gau, Synaeghel, Bazadze, Kieft, Guyot, Januarie, Aguillon, Lapeyre.

Worcester Warriors: Howard; Short, Symons, Mills, Hammond; Eden, Baldwin; Ruskin, George, Schonert, O'Callaghan, Sanderson, Mama, Kirwan, van Velze.

Replacements: Bower, Sowrey, Daniels, Taylor, Cox, Mulchrone, Stelling, Humphreys.

Referee: Elio Rizzo (SRFU)

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