Bath launched a powerful second-half fightback but La Rochelle had just enough in the tank for a priceless away win
Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle narrowly saw off Johann van Graan's Bath in the opening game of the Champions Cup.
READ MORE:Leinster boss Leo Cullen on Prendergast-Byrne, Barrett's debut, Keenan, Lowe, Furlong injuriesBath were in deep trouble at half-time, managing only two Finn Russell penalties, yet they stirred after the break as hooker Tom Dunn and lock Quinn Roux claimed touchdowns, with Russell adding the extras.
Bath launched their Champions Cup campaign without captain and England scrum-half Ben Spencer, who missed out due to a tight hamstring, so Louis Schreuder started and Tom Carr-Smith provided bench cover. The visitors had a collective power up-front, and they showcased it in all its glory through a long-range lineout drive that Bath could not stop.
Bath could not make inroads before the break, and they had a second-half mountain to climb against a team with a proven pedigree in the competition. West eased La Rochelle nerves through a penalty on the hour-mark, yet a gripping final quarter was in store after Bath had clawed their way back to 24-20 behind.
Heineken Cup Heineken Cup Ronan O'gara Johann Van Graan
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