West boots La Rochelle into knockout stages
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La Rochelle clinched top spot in Pool 4 of the European Rugby Challenge Cup after seeing off a battling Zebre side 22-10.
The sides were locked at 10-10 at the interval but La Rochelle turned up the heat in the second half to make it five wins out of six in the pool stages.
Second rower George Biagi was on hand to plunge over for the home side’s first half try with fly-half Carlo Canna converting to add to a penalty.
The visitors’ response was a touchdown by winger Arthur Retiere which was converted by Ihaia West who also bagged a penalty.
But La Rochelle took charge from that point and their territorial advantage allowed West to land four more penalties although the home defence stood firm to deny them any further tries.
Zebre were defeated after a brave fight but have impressed in the pool with a haul of 14 points despite finishing behind their victors and Bristol.
via EPCrugby.com