Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
‘CHELLE SHOCK
Final dream dies for Leinster as French cracks force their way into showpiece clash with their countrymen Toulouse
WILL SKELTON was Leinster’s Euro bogeyman again as the Blues saw their Champions Cup dreams blown away by the Bay of Biscay.
Skelton, a thorn in the province’s side in Saracens’ final victory in 2019 and their quarter-final win last season, was at it again at the Stade Marcel-deflandre.
His presence helped Gregory Alldritt to score the killer first try for La Rochelle in the 66th minute – and he helped himself to the second, leaving Ross Byrne’s 77th minute effort a mere consolation.
Leo Cullen first encountered the Aussie on a watching brief to the Waratahs.
The Leinster supremo said: “He’s caused us a bit of trouble when he was with Saracens as well – in the final in Newcastle, in particular.
“He’s a huge man and can cause a lot of damage.
“We contained those guys well in the first half but it was just off the back of some penalties and field position when they got a bit of a roll on and a couple of guys slipped off a few tackles, particularly on Will.
“The game at this level can be quite simple, once you get on the front foot with momentum – and the half-backs controlled the game well for La Rochelle.”
Ronan O’gara watched from the home coaching box as his side recovered from a bad start in their first semi-final to deservedly see off the four-time champs, playing in their 12th.
When O’gara takes over from ex-leinster forwards coach Jono Gibbes as head honcho this summer, he could be tasked with the defence of both the Top 14 and Champions Cup crowns.
A quarter way through this first meeting of the clubs, Leinster looked good for Twickenham in three Saturdays time – and a mouthwatering showdown with Toulouse with both sides going for a record fifth title.
By the end, however, the result was not in doubt.
Tadhg Furlong’s seventh minute converted try was a decent return from a flying start – poles apart from the hammering Leinster took early on at Exeter in the quarter-finals.
“I thought in the first 20 minutes that Leo [Cullen] and Stuart [Lancaster] had done a real number on us with video during the week,” grinned Gibbes.
“We just couldn’t buy a trick.” The absence of skipper and driving force Johnny Sexton wasn’t a problem at that stage and Ross Byrne looked assured in his first start at this level.
But as the first half progressed, La Rochelle grew in confidence. The tide was turning. Out-half Ihaia West was a calming presence, Brice Dulin’s monster book kicked his side into good positions and O’gara’s defensive system locked Leinster in.
By half-time, the Blues were lucky to be 13-12 ahead, with the hosts missing the chance to score a try before the break.
Leinster still had their noses in front with 25 minutes to go but were clinging on as the hosts’ pack got on top – and Skelton in particular.
“He’s 150 kilos and moves and understands rugby and is a hell of a guy,” said Gibbes.
“He carries those players around him and brings a lot confidence to the pack.
“He didn’t have a specific tactical input with the Saracens background, but his actions during the week and all season have brought a big confidence to the group.
“He was a big contributor.”