La Rochelle are awarded a penalty and they point to the sticks

And the first half is underway!

Hello and welcome to Ultimate Rugby's coverage of this evenings Top 14 action as La Rochelle host Oyonnax. La Rochelle avoided defeat on the road for the first time last season but it will all be for nothing unless they back it up at home to Oyonnax. Christophe Urios' side have been the surprise package in the league this season, and their win in dreadful conditions last week against Toulouse saw them up to fifth in the table. He insists they are still a long shot to reach the play-offs, and the fact they have four away games remaining means they probably need at least one win on their travels. This weekend might be that opportunity, with La Rochelle missing both skipper Uini Atonio and number eight Loann Goujon, who are on international duty. Still, La Rochelle have been outstanding at Marcel Deflandre this season, with their only loss in the league coming against Bordeaux-Bègles, all the way back in September. While they are struggling to put teams away, they've done just enough to keep picking up those home wins, and that might yet be enough to save them. Stay with us for live updates and match analysis.