Determined Stade Rochelais tame Tigers

Famed for their bulky pack, Leicester made Stade Rochelais work for a good second half start. But some intense scrum work brought its fruit when Oscar Jegou battled his way through. With the flanker securing his brace, this set the tone for an impressive second period.

Ronan O’Gara ordered the calvary on soon after, including Uini Atonio’s first minutes since June.

Buoyed by the return of their club legend, the home fans cheered their men to two more under the Rochelais rain.

UJ Seuteni and Nathan Bollengier sealed the result five minutes from time as the two-time champs got their campaign off to the perfect start.

Will Wand did wave his magic stick late on but it was too little, too late for the English tourists.