Bath suffers shocking defeat as La Rochelle claims victory in the rain
- La Rochelle scored three first-half tries and established a commanding 21-6 lead.
- Bath managed to mount a comeback late in the game but fell short.
- The victory marked a strong start for La Rochelle in the Champions Cup.
La Rochelle faced Bath in their opening match of the 2024 Champions Cup season in England on a rainy evening. La Rochelle took an early lead with tries from Oscar Jégou and Reda Wardi, powered by their dominant forward pack. Despite Bath's attempts to rally, including a try from Tom Dunn, they struggled without their captain Ben Spencer, who was sidelined due to injury. The weather conditions further complicated the match, challenging both teams but ultimately favoring La Rochelle, who capitalized on Bath's errors to secure their victory. This match served as a reminder of the strength of French teams in the competition, especially for Bath, who were seen as strong contenders following their position at the top of the Premiership table. The home crowd witnessed a thrilling contest, with La Rochelle edging out Bath to collect their first win of the tournament, showcasing the resilience and talent of the French side.