La Rochelle vs Leinster Predictions - Leinster to cover at La Rochelle

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 11 Jan 2025

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Ralph Staniforth 11 Jan 2025

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Leinster is on an 11-match unbeaten streak in all competitions.
Leinster backed to cover the -5.5 handicap
Key player suspensions for La Rochelle; Leinster's lineup strengthened by returning internationals.

Expired

La Rochelle has won 17 of their last 18 home matches (Getty Images)

La Rochelle vs Leinster Preview

Leinster have been in superb form all season and can win at La Rochelle despite the French sides' good record at home. The visitors to cover -5.5 is my best bet.

La Rochelle vs Leinster Preview
Head to Head
La Rochelle Form
La Rochelle Team News & Injuries
Leinster Form
Leinster Team News & Injuries

Leinster are on an 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
Leinster have won 6 successive away games in all competitions.
La Rochelle have won 6 of their last 11 matches in all competitions.
La Rochelle have won 17 of their last 18 home fixtures in all competitions.

Head to Head

In five previous matches, La Rochelle have won three times and Leinster twice.

La Rochelle Form

La Rochelle have had the perfect start to their Investec Cup campaign, defeating Bath 24-20 away and Bristol 35-7 at home.

La Rochelle have contested six home matches in the Top 14 this season, beating Toulon 19-15, Pau 49-25, Lyon 43-22, Bordeaux 32-22, Stade Francais 35-18, and losing 23-14 against Vannes before defeating Clermont 20-15, and Toulouse 22-18.

La Rochelle have an excellent home-winning record and beat Leinster in back-to-back finals of this competition in 2022 and 2023. However, they have lost their last two encounters against the team from Ireland.

La Rochelle Team News & Injuries

Hooker Tolu Latu has been suspended for three matches for foul play and will miss the clashes against Leinster, Benetton, and Lyon.

Leinster Form

Leinster won their opening two European Champions Cup fixtures, cruising to a comfortable 35-12 victory over Bristol away and beating Clermont 15-7 at home.

Leinster have won all their United Rugby Championship away fixtures this season, beating Edinburgh 33-31, Benetton 35-5, Connacht 33-12, Ulster 27-20, and Munster 28-7.

Leinster have been playing well lately, winning their last 11 outings in all competitions, although the going will be tough in France, as La Rochelle are tough to beat at home. However, Leinster have won their previous two clashes.