Leinster's Champions Cup hopes took a dramatic turn as they edged La Rochelle 25-24 in Dublin, thanks to Harry Byrne's late penalty. The victory marked Leinster's fourth straight win over their French rivals and puts them firmly at the top of Pool 3.
The hosts had a blistering start, with two tries from Ireland international Joshua Kenny putting them 12-0 ahead within the opening 10 minutes. However, La Rochelle refused to give up, with Georgian winger Davit Niniashvili's score narrowing the deficit before half-time.
La Rochelle took control of the game after Tommy O'Brien was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on during a promising attack from Leinster. The visitors levelled the score at 17-12 just before half-time, with Ihaia West's converted try giving La Rochelle a lead they would not relinquish.
As the second half got underway, Leinster fought back to edge clear of their opponents once more. A try from Josh van der Flier and Robbie Henshaw in quick succession moved Leinster 22-17 ahead, but West's second score threatened to snare a dramatic win for La Rochelle.
But with just minutes remaining, Leinster earned a crucial penalty opportunity after Tommy O'Brien was again penalised. The situation proved too much for the visitors to handle as Harry Byrne stepped up and slotted home the decisive kick to hand Leinster victory.
The win marked Leinster's eighth consecutive success in all competitions since their only defeat in October against Munster. La Rochelle, meanwhile, are now at risk of missing out on a Champions Cup knockout spot after failing to bounce back from last month's loss to the Stormers.
Leinster will now look to build on this crucial victory as they travel to Bayonne next Saturday, while La Rochelle host Harlequins in their respective matches.
The hosts had a blistering start, with two tries from Ireland international Joshua Kenny putting them 12-0 ahead within the opening 10 minutes. However, La Rochelle refused to give up, with Georgian winger Davit Niniashvili's score narrowing the deficit before half-time.
La Rochelle took control of the game after Tommy O'Brien was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on during a promising attack from Leinster. The visitors levelled the score at 17-12 just before half-time, with Ihaia West's converted try giving La Rochelle a lead they would not relinquish.
As the second half got underway, Leinster fought back to edge clear of their opponents once more. A try from Josh van der Flier and Robbie Henshaw in quick succession moved Leinster 22-17 ahead, but West's second score threatened to snare a dramatic win for La Rochelle.
But with just minutes remaining, Leinster earned a crucial penalty opportunity after Tommy O'Brien was again penalised. The situation proved too much for the visitors to handle as Harry Byrne stepped up and slotted home the decisive kick to hand Leinster victory.
The win marked Leinster's eighth consecutive success in all competitions since their only defeat in October against Munster. La Rochelle, meanwhile, are now at risk of missing out on a Champions Cup knockout spot after failing to bounce back from last month's loss to the Stormers.
Leinster will now look to build on this crucial victory as they travel to Bayonne next Saturday, while La Rochelle host Harlequins in their respective matches.
just a few more straight wins and Leinster will be set for the Champions Cup 
. I mean, La Rochelle came back from 12-0 down and had them on the ropes, but Leinster just wouldn't give up 
. And that last minute penalty from Harry Byrne was like the icing on the cake – it's a game-winner for sure! 
The thing is, people are gonna say Leinster got lucky, but I think they showed some serious grit and determination out there 
Harry Byrne's penalty at the end was pure magic! I mean, two tries from Kenny and then La Rochelle just wouldn't give up... Davit Niniashvili's score was so clutch before half-time. And can we talk about Josh van der Flier? 
. And let's be real, Harry Byrne is a lifesaver! I mean who needs nerves when u got a penalty that can turn the whole game around? 
Anyway, Leinster's on fire right now and I'm super hyped to see them take on Bayonne next week!
I mean what a rollercoaster ride it was, Leinster's nerves are shot after that nail-biting finish, but man the team's been on fire lately 
and I couldn't be more hyped for them. Harry Byrne's penalty is literally the definition of clutch 
I don't even know how he managed to kick that one in with all those defenders bearing down on him.
Two losses in a row and they're already in danger of missing out on the knockout spot. Poor guys need to step up their game ASAP or else.
four straight wins is just ridiculous! They're looking like a team that's going to make some serious noise in the Champions Cup. Bring it on! 
. Leinster's defense was on point though, they really shut down La Rochelle's attacking threats after half-time. But that penalty kick from Harry Byrne at the end was pure magic 
. I'm loving how consistent Leinster are right now - 8 wins in a row is a huge achievement! 
And now they get to face Bayonne next... bring it on 
On a serious note though, Harry Byrne is like the real MVP for saving Leinster's bacon with that last-second penalty. They're on fire right now and I'm hyped to see what they do next. The Champions Cup has got some great matches lined up - let's get this rugby party started! 
Leinster's comeback was insane! Harry Byrne's penalty was like the icing on the cake 
I've got a feeling this win is gonna give them the edge they need to take down the competition. And man, what a game from Josh van der Flier 
he was unstoppable out there! La Rochelle put up a great fight though, gotta respect that 
. now let's see how Leinster handles the pressure of being at the top of Pool 3... 
! Leinster really needed that last penalty kick from Harry Byrne, it's like the game was hanging in the balance 
and i gotta say, i'm kinda worried about la rochelle now, they're really struggling to get back on track 
. They had so many chances to take the lead, especially after Tommy O'Brien's 2nd sin binning 
️. I love how Leinster are just rolling now, 8 straight wins is crazy 
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And can we talk about how cute Josh van der Flier is? 
I swear, he's like a Dutch supermodel out there on the field! What's your take on Leinster's win, did they really deserve it or was it just one of those days for La Rochelle? 
. It shows how well they're gelling as a team and how confident they are in their skills. They're definitely on fire right now 
harry byrne's late penalty was pure magic, what a pro! 
and josh van der flier and robbie henshaw's tries were a masterclass in teamwork - they're like the ultimate Irish rugby duo!