Top 14 round one: La Rochelle holds off Castres
La Rochelle was able to pull out a difficult victory in their first game of the season, holding off a tough Castres team at home in round one of the Top 14.
La Rochelle was able to hold-off Castres to complete one of the biggest upsets of round-one. La Rochelle came out of the gate strong and was able to amass a large enough first half lead to hold off the late-charging Castres for the 22-17 win.
Recap
Castres was able to get on the board early as Seremaia Baikeinuku slotted home a penalty in just the first minute of play.
However, La Rochelle did not stand idly by, as Sebastien Boboul managed his way over the line to record the games first try in the sixth minute, giving the home side a 5-3 lead.
La Rochelle did not take long to get back on the board as Benjamin Ferrou stormed over the whitewash in the 15th minute, and Boboul hit the conversion to extend the lead to 12-3 heading into half-time.
After the break Castres continued to make the game interesting, with a try from number-eight Joe Tekori, followed by a Baikeinuku conversion to close the gap to 12-10.
Boboul opened the lead back up with a penalty in the 50th minute, and Norman Ligairi pushed it even further for La Rochelle with a try in the 65th minute. Boboul followed the try with the extra points and Lac Rochelle sat comfortable at 22-10.
A late try from Castres courtesy of Cameron McIntyre, plus another conversion from Baikeinuku in the 75th minute would prove not to be enough, as the underdog La Rochelle registered their first Top 14 victory.
La Rochelle got a strong game from Boboul at the tee, as the full-back recorded 12 of his team’s 22 points.
Castres was not able to put their game together early in the second half and they paid for it in the loss. Nevertheless, they were able to play well late, and Baikeinuku kept them close with his boot.
Analysis
La Rochelle is the favourite to be sent down at the end of the season, and the win over Castres gives them confidence moving forward. In addition, their main goal this campaign will simply be to remain in the Top 14, and therefore any points they can muster are very important.
Castres meanwhile, is not favoured to make the post-season, however if they plan on proving their critics wrong they will need better efforts against squads such as La Rochelle.
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