La Rochelle

Leinster player ratings: A nail-biting Champions Cup final that went down to the wire was dramatically tipped the way of La Rochelle.

Byrne did kick his team’s seventh penalty for 21-17 on 65 minutes but two fumbles, one that went back and the second that was a knock-on, showed how nervous he was replacing Sexton in a nerve-shredding situation not helped by Ala’alatoa giving up a ruck penalty during that result-defining pressure period at the end. A moment on 56 minutes highlighted the difficulty, trying to nibble at a Will Skelton carry that went to ground only for him to go off his feet and fall out of the contest. Struggled for notice but showed class when tidying up the scramble situation that eventually led to the penalty on the stroke of half-time for a 12-7 lead. That said, he kicked well and long and his tremendous energy was illustrated by the intelligence he exhibited when shutting down a late first-half attack where Rochelle seemed certain to score. Demonstrated safe hands in the early stages but then missed a lineout catch on 21 minutes. Tried his hardest to keep the yellow wall at bay and nearly succeeded. Provided cup final leadership, for the most part, kicking all six of his penalty attempts to have Leinster 18-10 up despite the team not collectively playing well. One of just two Leinster starters yet to be capped at Test level by Ireland, he had numerous good moments in the biggest game of his career, some nice breaks and some decent covering including tackling Gregory Alldritt into touch on one occasion. Executed one try-saving tackle in what was set to be a heroic last stand but cruelly became the player who couldn’t prevent Retiere from scoring the decisive try. Great engine to go 77 minutes in his coming-of-age season. Did some good aerial work near the end but this was a contest where the French sidelined him. The Irish province were huge pre-match favourites against an opposition that was minus two World Cup-winning All Blacks in the injured Victor Vito and Tawera Kerr-Barlow.

A last-minute try by Arthur Retiere after a monumental goal-line assault gave La Rochelle a stunning 24-21 victory over favourites Leinster in a superb ...

I didn't see them coming back but we did not clear our lines and we paid the price." Sexton said: "We weren't at our best. La Rochelle had come into the game with a reputation as a power unit but they also showed plenty of creativity in attack and stretched Leinster all across the field in the first half.

La Rochelle trailed for all bar 15 minutes of this compelling Champions Cup final but they never stopped believing.

But... La Rochelle proved they could beat Leinster last year with raw physicality in the semi-final. La Rochelle get a nudge on but Conan gets the ball away quickly. La Rochelle are comfortable going through the phases. A front peel from the line-out leaves La Rochelle just metres short of the line. Leinster are scrambling desperately, La Rochelle camped in their 22. La Rochelle with all the momentum suddenly. Scrum to La Rochelle on half-way. La Rochelle clear long from the restart and Keenan runs it into touch! Leinster disrupt the line-out just enough but La Rochelle keep possession. La Rochelle decide to scrum, despite having a lock in the sin bin! La Rochelle go through the phases after Retiere has a dart from the back of the scrum. La Rochelle are in no rush.