Edinburgh (AFP)
Stade Rochelais, lacking realism on its highlights, was content with a sluggish victory on the field of Edinburgh (13-8) on Saturday night for its entry into the competition in the European Cup.
The leader of the Top 14, dominant throughout the match but conquering rather average, was content with two tries scored by Raymond Rhule (24th) and Jérémy Sinzelle (42nd), against one for the Scots signed Blair Kinghorn (51st) on one of the rare penetrations of Richard Cockerill's players in the 22-meter visitors.
This success allows Jono Gibbes' men to keep pace with Toulon and Bordeaux-Bègles, also winners in this pool A dominated by Leinster and Wasps, the only winners with the offensive bonus.
The Maritimes had come with great intentions, in the wake of a colossal Will Skelton whether in combat or running play.
But faced with this Edinburgh in doubt in the Pro 14 (2 wins, 5 losses), they lacked realism like this shelling in order (20) not succeeding or Tawera Kerr-Barlow picked up near of the in-goal by Stuart McInally (22).
By dint of pushing, the + Yellow and Black + found a breach, with relays on a step from Geoffrey Doumayrou and Sinzelle for a test by Rhule (0-8).
Rarely endangered, the Rochelais were surprised before the break on the first local incursion, rewarded by a penalty from Jaco van der Walt (38th).
On returning from the locker room, we believed, after a confused try from Sinzelle (3-13) and the maritime domination in the rucks zones, that La Rochelle would finally be free.
It was not, the match falling into the approximation, with a lot of clumsiness and bad choices that did not allow the game to develop.
The end of the game even turned out to be a bit tense for Grégory Alldritt's partners, who withstood two penalties and won the Scottish last chance scrum.
© 2020 AFP