Any suspicion that the Champions Cup had lost its spark was firmly put to bed when Leinster and Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle played out a bruising European classic in the Stade Marcel Deflandre on Sunday.
After eighty minutes of skill, attrition and everything in between, it was Leo Cullen's Leinster who pipped La Rochelle 16-14 and took the top spot in pool 2 of the Champions Cup.
A try apiece, coupled with a handful of scored and missed penalties from both sides, set up a nail-biting finish worthy of such a great rivalry.
Leinster, just two points the better were forced to desperately hold on as Anotine Hastoy volleyed both a 79th-minute penalty and 80th-minute drop-goal attempt at their impenetrable defence, before the Mariners' ten eventually threw the ball forward in the red bringing a close to proceedings.
For Leinster, there was little reward in individuality, instead, it was a showcase of their new unwavering defence. A defence that despite the best efforts of the Mariners, forfeited possession in the name of self-punishment and trust, absorbing lengthy stints of La Rochelle attack, time and time again before taking whatever scraps were offered up to them.
While their failure to capitalise from the tee was their only blemish, it could have cost them dearly such was the nature of the game. Fortunately, the former Munster fly half's men endured their own kicking issues, meaning Leinster's single try and three penalties was enough for the two-point win.
READ ALSO: Zebo Couldn't Resist Dig During John Hodnett Praise After Munster Beat Saracens
READ ALSO: Report: Munster To Sign Two Leinster Players To Bolster Front Row
Ronan O'Gara praises Jordie Barrett for post-match gesture.
While on the field the battle between two of the decade's biggest rivals was ferocious, off the field there was no respect lost between these two sides.
Taking to social media after Sunday's battle, the La Rochelle boss hailed Leinster's newest singing Jordie Barrett, revealing that the All Black extraordinaire had gifted his son his matchday boots.
Thank you Jordie Barrett. He will never get to wear size 46 but gone off to bed so happy…a classy gesture.
Congratulations to Leinster Rugby hopefully we get another go.
Thank you Jordie Barrett.He will never get to wear size 46 but gone off to bed so happy…a classy gesture…Congratulations to @leinsterrugby .. hopefully we get another go.@staderochelais pic.twitter.com/kukCNifCCY
— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) January 12, 2025
Barrett's impact went beyond handing out his boots, the now-Leinster man enjoyed a trojan eighty minutes in defence, holding up his fair share of tackles, and as one must in Jacques Nienebar's system making several last-ditch hits. In the air, the New Zealand man was also unphased, beautifully returning a number of kicks and rarely being put on the back foot in challenges.
Jordie Barrett's performance was trumped only by that of the Leinster backrow, who led by Caelan Doris did untold work in defence, creating a viciously aggressive rucking platform and playing their part in Leinster's 183 tackles - a count nearly double that of La Rochelle who didn't break the century mark at 99.
Now that both sides should progress to the last sixteen, rugby fans the length and breadth of Europe will be hoping that they'll be treated to yet another Leinster La Rochelle classic before the year is out.
