Celtic must prove themselves against Dinamo Zagreb in crucial Champions League clash

In France, La Rochelle delivered a commanding performance against Bristol Bears with a final score of 35-7 in the Investec Champions Cup. The match featured a significant early incident where Bristol's hooker, Gabriel Oghre, received a yellow card for a late swinging arm on La Rochelle's Tawera Kerr-Barlow. This early setback for Bristol set the tone for the match, as La Rochelle's tactical execution proved too strong for their competitors. Despite being down a player initially, Bristol attempted to capitalize on a few opportunities, coming close to scoring but failing to break the resilient La Rochelle defense. As the game unfolded, La Rochelle showcased their skill through meticulous cross-kicking strategies which resulted in five tries, four of them converted by Ihaia West. Jack Nowell notably contributed with a stunning try that exemplified the team's attacking prowess. The Bears struggled to maintain momentum as La Rochelle continued to apply pressure and take control of the game. Defensively, Bristol could not recover adequately after the initial momentum shift caused by the yellow card and failed to bounce back effectively as La Rochelle maintained their lead. Their inability to convert chances into points was evident throughout the game. The encounter highlighted La Rochelle's significant credentials in the tournament, while simultaneously exposing Bristol's struggles in high-stakes matches. In conclusion, this match serves as a strong indication of the current standings of both teams in the Investec Champions Cup. La Rochelle's detailed execution and strategic gameplay delivered a clear message of their intent to compete at a high level, while Bristol faces a challenging journey ahead to improve their competitiveness in future fixtures.