On-the-whistle match reports are a skill that tries to combine two impossible elements – consideration and speed. I’m quite proud of this one – even looking at it in the cold light of day, I wouldn’t change too much. And, reading the coaches’ post-match comments, I think they’d agree with my first impressions as well…
Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle are still looking for a first win of the Top 14 season, and their first victory at Stade Marcel Michelin since 1956, as new Clermont boss Jono Gibbes claimed early bragging rights between the former coaching colleagues.
James Harrington: Freelance sports journalist 