Leinster vs La Rochelle Predictions - Leinster to progress to Champions Cup semi-final

Given the form of the two sides, I am backing Leinster to see this one out by more than eight points.

La Rochelle have won the last two European Champions Cup finals against Leinster.

Leinster are in flying form as usual come this stage of the season. They remain the favourites to win the tournament, although that has been the case in the last two years when they lost the final.

The Irish giants have won their last seven matches with their last defeat coming on New Years Day at Ulster by a point. Prior to beating Leicester Tigers 36-22 at home last weekend, Leinster thrashed the Bulls 47-14 at home and saw off Zebre 31-7 away.

Leinster tend to rotate their side a lot throughout the season, but the Champions Cup is a priority for them this year. They have selected a full-strength side with plenty of internationals.

La Rochelle have not been their normal self this season and may feel somewhat relieved that they are still in the Champions Cup. However, that said, their form has improved of late, and the two-time defending champions will not stand back this weekend.

In four of their last five games in all competitions, La Rochelle have been victorious. Last week, to reach the quarter-final, they beat the Stormers in Cape Town 22-21. It was a cracking affair and could have been very different had the Stormers converted a last-minute kick.

Prior that that, La Rochelle beat Clermont and Stade Francais at home, lost away to Bayonne by a point and beat Oyonnax at home.

Ronan O’ Gara has his work cut out this weekend when they play at Leinster. While the team has won two straight finals against the Irish side, they were both at neutral venues.