As Lyon and Toulon are opposed in the final of the European Challenge on Friday, a success in La Rochelle would strengthen the grip of the Top 14 on Europe, with a new European Champions Cup-Challenge double in a row, the third in history after 1997 (Brive and Colomiers) and 2021 (Toulouse and Montpellier).

It would also be confirmation of the rise of Stade La Rochelle, in pursuit of its first title.

Now or never at the Stade Vélodrome?

"I'm one of the people who think you have to keep knocking on the door, it's going to open one day," manager Ronan O'Gara likes to repeat.

Photo montage of Leinster's Irish opener Jonathan Sexton and his compatriot and La Rochelle coach, Ronan O'Gara, whose teams will face each other in the European Cup final, on May 28, 2022 at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille REMY GABALDA, GAIZKA IROZ AFP/Archives

An Irish victory, on the other hand, would allow Jonathan Sexton's teammates to clinch a fifth European star, thus equaling the record set by Toulouse last season.

The Rouge et Noir, knocked out in the semi-finals by Leinster (40-17) this season, had won their fifth title ahead of … La Rochelle (22-17).

It is therefore a bit of a regular that the Maritimes land in Marseille: the seventh team to play in two consecutive Champions Cup finals (after Brive, Leicester, Toulouse, Leinster, Toulon and the Saracens), Stade Rochelais wants to write history.

"Making predictions lie"

"I've never really liked playing the + outsider / favorite + game. I know it's going to be difficult but there's never an easy final," third international Grégory Alldritt told AFP.

"I love it, having a challenge like that and needing to surpass ourselves (...) We are a team that likes to be in the shadows and make the forecasts lie", he still assured.

The 3rd line from La Rochelle Grégory Alldritt pierces the defense of the Glasgow Warriors, during their group match of the 1st round of the European Cup, on December 12, 2021 at the Stade Marcel Deflandre XAVIER LEOTY AFP / Archives

Because, opposite, the Irish seem unplayable.

They have only been defeated six times this season in all competitions, including one on the green carpet.

"It's a clinical team, very precise. It's school what they offer: things repeated, repeated but it's done so well that it's effective. Leinster is three-quarters of the Ireland team and a big identity," explained Alldritt.

"It's up to us to try to stop the machine, to attack them. Because, when she is attacked or when she can't really put her game in place, she quickly gets rid of the ball with footwork" , explained the international third line.

The Dublin franchise thus passed 40 points in Toulouse (40-17) in the semi-finals and even... 89 in Montpellier (89-7) during the group stage!

The joy of Leinster players, after a scored try against Toulouse, in the semi-final of the European Cup, on May 14, 2022 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin PAUL FAITH AFP / Archives

Sixth final for Leinster

As a result, even with their overpowered pack, the Rochelais did not start as favorites in this final, the sixth for the Irish.

Even if they dominated the Irish province (32-23) last season.

Even if they have never lost in France against an Irish team.

Because the men of Leo Cullen have arguments to make, starting with the stainless Jonathan Sexton or the tireless Josh van der Flier.

Leinster flanker Josh Van der Flier (l) tries to recover a candle, battling with La Rochelle's South African full-back Dillyn Leyds (c) and flanker Grégory Aldritt, during the European Cup semi-final Europe, May 2, 2021 at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre XAVIER LEOTY AFP / Archives

Under pressure the Irish, who are chasing their first European title since 2018?

"I don't think we have any extra pressure, that's not how I feel," admitted van der Flier.

"Of course we can't wait to get back to the final, hungry to win the trophy but I don't feel any additional pressure. Because it's a very difficult competition to win. In the squad, there are plenty of players who don't have never played in a European final so it's very exciting," added the Irish international.

On the La Rochelle side, we know what to expect.

"We have a plan," promised manager Ronan O'Gara.

"I'm not going to reveal it but we all need to believe that it's possible to win. What's interesting is the attitude of the players. We respect the challenge and we take this week very seriously, make a good preparation so as not to have any regrets", he added.

Impossible isn't Rochelais?

© 2022 AFP