La Rochelle complete revenge victory over Gloucester

La Rochelle 42-13 Gloucester Rugby, Stade Marcel Deflandre
Scorecard

Three tries in each half allowed La Rochelle hand a heavy defeat of 42-13 to Gloucester Rugby in their European Challenge Cup tie at Stade Marcel Deflandre on Saturday.

Gloucester had a quiet first half where fly-half Billy Burns' double penalty remained their only points before half-time.

Wing Gabriel Lacroix (19'), fullback Kini Murimurivalu (31') and hooker Hikairo Forbes (38') crossed over in the first half for La Rochelle while fly-half Brock James contributed with two penalties and a conversion to secure a 17-point lead at the end of the first half.

Even though, Gloucester made a brief comeback with prop John Afoa touching down in the 50th minute and Burns conversion brought down the difference to 10 points, La Rochelle ensured no fairy-tale comeback for the visitors.

Lacroix (56'), replacement Lepani Botia (59') and a penalty try in the 70th minute were more than handy allowing James and replacement fly-half Zack Holmes to add a conversion each which completed a 29-win for the French side.

The bonus point win has taken La Rochelle to the top of Pool 1 while Gloucester find themselves at second position, even though both have 15 points apiece but separated by point difference.