Racing 92 may have too much class for La Rochelle when they host Les Corsaires in Friday’s semi-final qualifier at the Stade Olympique Yves-du-Manoir.
31 May 2019
Racing 92 v La Rochelle
21h00
Stade Olympique Yves-du-Manoir
To Win
Racing 2/7
Draw 22/1
La Rochelle 26/10
The men in blue and white finished three-points ahead of their opponents this week following their convincing 35-3 win over Agen in the last of the tournament’s round robin action; this despite ending the regular season with one less victory (15).
La Rochelle, meanwhile, ran 12-tries past a hapless Bordeaux side in an eventual 81-12 victory on the weekend. The result wasn’t enough to see them pip Racing to fourth, but it has nonetheless set up what is sure to be an intriguing encounter in Paris.
The teams have met twice this campaign with La Rochelle taking the first 16-11 before Racing claimed a 50-14 win later on. While the game is set to be closely contested for much of the exchange, expect Racing to take control in the latter stages.
Star names like Finn Russell, Leone Nakarawa and Maxime Machenaud should ensure their side sets up a semi-final clash with either Toulouse or Clermont.
Verdict: Racing by 10
