La Rochelle without victory after 2 rounds

After a brilliant 2020-21 campaign which saw them reach the finals of not only the Top 14, but the Champions Cup as well, La Rochelle have yet to post a victory in the current Top 14 instalment after two rounds. 

In Round 1, La Rochelle again faced fellow 2020-21 finalists Toulouse, and, once again, fell to their foes in a characteristically hard contest, 20-16.  

Such a result would not have come as a huge surprise, given the form of Toulouse, but things did not imprive in their most recent fixture against Racing 92 on the latter’s home turf. Particularly concerning is the average performance of Ronan O’Gara’s charges in the 23-10 loss. 

O’Gara made three changes to his side from last week, including having to leave out hard man Will Skelton who is currently serving a ban from a shoulder charge in Round 1.  

Centre Gael Fickou was particularly instrumental in Racing’s victory. 

"We won thanks to our state of mind. Defensively we were sound against a very good La Rochelle team. It's never easy to face them," Fickou told broadcaster Canal+. 

"We put in a physical challenge, compared to last season's semi-final when we weren't quite there. Tonight, we rose to the level." 

La Rochelle face Clermont in Round 3 and will be hungry to get back to winning ways.