Stade Rochelais v Lions

La Rochelle 31 – 14 Lions | Investec Champions Cup, Pool 2 | Stade Marcel-Deflandre Before kick-off, a No 5 jersey lay on the grass in front of the Lions as the anthem played: a tribute to Hyron Andrews, who died in France on Friday. What followed was a performance that honoured him. The Lions struck first. Henco van Wyk crashed over in midfield inside three minutes. La Rochelle answered with tries from Tevita Ofa and Oscar Jégou. Even after Siba Mahashe was sent to the sin bin, the visitors kept coming. Their pressure drew two La Rochelle yellow cards, and hooker Morné Brandon barged over. Chris Smith’s conversion levelled it at 14–14. La Rochelle took a 19–14 lead into half-time. Tolu Latu finished a driving maul on 62 minutes to stretch it to 24–14. Nico Steyn thought he had dragged the Lions back into it ten minutes from time, but the try was ruled out. Avakuki Niusalelekitoga’s late score secured the bonus point for Ronan O’Gara’s side. The result went to La Rochelle. The courage on show belonged to Hyron.