Updated / Friday, 2 Apr 2021
23:48
O Gara s side have a home clash to look forward to next week
Gloucester s Heineken Champions Cup hopes ended at Kingsholm as Ronan O Gara s La Rochelle produced a slick and polished performance to win 27-16.
The French side, second in their domestic league behind Toulouse, booked a home quarter-final against Scarlets or Sale Sharks next weekend.
Although Gallagher Premiership strugglers Gloucester delivered some impressive moments, they were ultimately overpowered by an efficient La Rochelle machine.
Full-back Dillyn Leyds and wing Arthur Retiere scored tries for the visitors, with fly-half Ihaia West kicking 11 points and replacement Jules Plisson booting two penalties, including one from 50 metres.
The Wrap: 153 reasons why Waratahs coach Rob Penney must be left alone A Set the default text size A Set large text size
Replay A Set the default text size A Set large text size
Consider the following names. It’s a long list, but bear with me; that’s the point.
Malachi Hawkes, Moses Alo-Emile, Paul Alo-Emile, Guy Millar, Dave Lolohea, Emile Tuimavave, Sekope Kepu, Oli Hoskins, Paddy Ryan, Shambeckler Vui, Sam Talakai, Les Makin, Pek Cowan, Tim Metcher, Aidan Ross and Jermaine Ainsley.
Tolu Latu, John Ulugia, Julian Heaven, Sam Kitchen, Effie Ma’afu, Hugh Roach and Lindsay Stevens.
McCloskey a key man in all aspects as Ulster look for crucial away win
The English side have brought back most of their frontliners for the clash at Kingsholm. By Adam McKendry Saturday 19 Dec 2020, 8:30 AM Dec 19th 2020, 8:30 AM 2,492 Views 1 Comment
McCloskey brings a threat in many areas.
Image: James Crombie/INPHO
Image: James Crombie/INPHO
IN THE EARLY days when Stuart McCloskey broke into the Ulster squad, such was the province’s need for back-rowers his size and physique had fans wondering if he was maybe being utilised in the wrong position.
His bruising ball carrying in the centre was highly effective – as it still is now – but with Darren Cave, Stuart Olding and Luke Marshall also there and a glaring need at blindside, there were legitimate arguments that he would be better utilised elsewhere.
Ulster 34
NINE TRIES SHARED between the two sides, four yellow cards and three penalty tries all add up to Ulster’s Heineken Champions Cup hopes coming to a premature end at Kingsholm.
The province’s aim of making it three consecutive trips to the European quarter-finals have ended after just two games, and needing a big win after last week’s defeat to Toulouse at Kingspan Stadium, they will only have themselves to blame for not seeing this game out having been ahead with less than a minute to play.
With the ball in hand in Gloucester territory, a knock-on from Matty Rea conceded possession, and when Gloucester went down the other end, George Barton’s try with the last play of the game consigned Ulster to back-to-back defeats in Europe and ensured they would be on the wrong side of an absolute thriller.