Leinster 25-24 La Rochelle: Harry Byrne’s last-gasp penalty secures a Champions League win for the hosts

Although it was an agonizing defeat for La Rochelle, the victory extended Leinster’s winning run to eight in all competitions since their United Rugby Championship loss to Munster at Croke Park in October.

Leo Cullen’s side entered the match suffering from injury problems in the front row, with Tadhg Furlong, Andrew Porter, Rabah Slimani and Jack Puel missing.

However, they made a blistering start as Kenny finished off two sweeping moves in the corner with Ireland coach Andy Farrell watching in the stands.

But the hosts struggled to maintain the momentum as Tommy O’Brien was fouled for a deliberate kick during La Rochelle’s promising attack.

After being forced to wait, Niniashvili scored for the Top 14 side in the 28th minute, and Leinster’s woes were compounded when Joe McCarthy was fouled just before half-time.

While Leinster – who lost Ireland internationals Ciaran Frawley and Paddy McCarthy to injuries – held La Rochelle scoreless with Joe McCarthy sidelined, Lou Garric scored a penalty and converted West’s effort to give La Rochelle a 17-12 lead.

La Rochelle were guilty of wasting try-goal opportunities, however, and they paid the price when van der Flier and Henshaw both crossed into the right corner inside four minutes to put Leinster away.

However, with Prendergast and Byrne both missing conversion attempts, La Rochelle took the lead when Le Garric calmly added the extras to West’s second score, leaving Leinster on the brink of a first pool defeat since 2018.

Then, in a dramatic conclusion to their seventh meeting in the past five years, Leinster were awarded a late penalty, allowing Burn to advance and claim a fourth successive win over La Rochelle amid scenes of euphoria at full-time in Dublin.