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Joel Sclavi is now a two-time European champion. Sclavi featured as a replacement at loose head prop for La Rochelle. The French Top 14 side defeated United Rugby Championship (URC) side Leinster 27-26 in the final in Dublin, Ireland.
Leinster were firm-favorites for the final. The team has been formidable all season in the URC and in the European Champions Cup. The team also had home advantage. La Rochelle found themselves in trouble early on. Leinster scored two early tries.
As the game continued La Rochelle narrowed the gap. The lead finally came 11 minutes from full-time. Leinster then looked to hit-back but La Rochelle’s defense held firm on the line. Leinster were then in trouble with Michael Ala’alatoa red carded. The Australian, capped by Samoa, made direct shoulder to head contract.
La Rochelle won field position from a penalty. A desperate Leinster gave away another and now La Rochelle were in the Leinster half with less than two minutes remaining. They held on to win the thriller.
Sclavi entered the match late in the third quarter. When he entered Leinster held a 26-20 lead. Sclavi helped claim the lead. His bulk was part of what is a gigantic pack of forwards. The title is Sclavi’s second. A year ago he and La Rochelle defeated Leinster 24-21 in the final.
La Rochelle are in second spot in the Top 14. The regular season will conclude next weekend. La Rochelle will play host to Stade Français Paris. The play-off’s will be played over subsequent weekends. Sclavi and La Rochelle will now seek to add the Top 14 shield to their cabinet.
⭐️⭐️@StadeRochelais are two time #HeinekenChampionsCup Champions 🏆 pic.twitter.com/NgrtnvMKrW
— Investec Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) May 20, 2023
