La Rochelle's coach, Ronan O'Gara, is facing another touchline ban after a heated exchange with the referee during a chaotic match against Pau. The game saw La Rochelle lose 53-33 in a 13-try spectacle, with O'Gara's dissent leading to his dismissal just an hour into the match. This isn't O'Gara's first encounter with the referee's wrath; he had previously questioned the decision to send off fly-half Antoine Hastoy, leading to a public reprimand from referee Jeremy Rozier.
The match was a high-octane affair, with both teams employing aerial bombardment tactics. La Rochelle's strategy paid off early, with Gregoire Arfeuil scoring the opening try after a well-executed kick. However, they didn't back down despite the early numerical disadvantage, with Ihaia West and UJ Seuteni contributing to their comeback. The hosts, led by Sebastien Piqueronies, showcased their aerial prowess, with Julian Montoya and Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang also finding the tryline.
The game took a dramatic turn after O'Gara's dismissal, with Dillyn Leyds scoring for La Rochelle, bringing them closer to their opponents. The match continued with a series of tries, including a bonus-point try for Pau's rising star, Fabien Brau-Boirie. The drama intensified with penalties, mauls, and yellow cards, leading to a thrilling finish. Despite the loss, La Rochelle's pack and aerial skills kept them in the game until the very end.
In other rugby news, Toulouse's victory over Racing 92 was bittersweet, as it marked the return of Antoine Dupont, but also the final appearance of Pita Ahki, who will join the Auckland Blues in 2026. Castres and Bayonne also secured wins, but the refereeing decisions in Stade Francais' match against Clermont were under scrutiny. Montpellier's comeback victory over Bordeaux and Toulon's dominant win over Montauban were highlights of the weekend.
