Champions Cup round-up: Holders La Rochelle lose again

Champions Cup holders La Rochelle suffered an agonising defeat against the Stormers in Cape Town – their second successive loss of the tournament – following a late Andre-Hugo Venter try that Manie Libbok converted to secure a 21-20 verdict.

Former All Black Tawera Kerr-Barlow had got over in the first half to send the champions on their way, and it got even better when Yoan Tanga dotted down, but Ben Loader responded before that late Venter-Libbok show.

Bristol rugby director Pat Lam made 13 changes for the clash against Bordeaux-Begles in France and his team suffered a 36-17 defeat at Stade Chaban-Delmas.

Only Rich Lane and Magnus Bradbury remained from the starting line-up that edged past Lyon last Saturday and free-scoring Bordeaux took advantage.

They were 10 points up after just five minutes through a Maxime Lucu try, plus a conversion and penalty from the Bordeaux captain, before fly-half Sam Worsley's penalty cut the deficit.

But France international wings Damian Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey displayed their enviable finishing power with a try each, and another Lucu conversion opened up a 22-3 interval lead.

Bordeaux claimed a bonus-point during the third quarter thanks to a superb finish from former Bath and Harlequins centre Ben Tapuai – Lucu again converted – before James Dun crossed for Bristol and Worsley converted.

A Theo Nanette touchdown, converted by Matthieu Jalibert, took Bordeaux past 30 points, yet Bristol’s resilient second-half display delivered a try for replacement scrum-half Oscar Lennon and Worsley added the extras.

The Bulls’ hopes of back-to-back victories were dashed in a thriller against hosts Lyon, with the French side winning 29-28.