La Rochelle's might was undone by Munster grit but the external influences of coaches like Ronan O'Gara and Shaun Edwards should be retained
Fabien Galthie’s French swatted aside Italy last Sunday in Rome with a record 73-24 victory that featured 11 tries.
The 31-year-old was cited by officials in France following a 50th minute yellow card in last Sunday’s Top 14 win over Toulouse.
The French were knocked out of their home World Cup with a 28-29 defeat to the Springboks in Paris on October 15 and their return to action 16 weeks later will see them field a starting team with three changes to the pack and two in the backs.
France's new captain reveals the values and influences that shaped his winning mentality.
Wallabies captain Will Skelton played the role of hero and villain for La Rochelle as they ran away with a big win over Leicester.
Leicester were unable to capitalise on a two-man second-half advantage as they succumbed to a heavy 45-12 defeat to Champions Cup holders La Rochelle at a sold-out Stade Marcel Deflandre.
La Rochelle has announced the immediate loan signing of Australian hooker Tolu Latu from Montpellier, bolstering their options in a position currently hit by injuries.
The Stormers recorded their first Champions Cup win of the season, beating Stade Rochelais in Cape Town on Saturday.
La Rochelle winger Dillyn Leyds has opened up on what has given the back-to-back European champions the edge in the last few seasons, citing man management as a crucially important factor.