When the full-time whistle sounded at Stade Marcel-Deflandre, La Rochelle fans groaned as many of their rugby heroes fell to the ground.
La Rochelle have gone for an aggressive 7-1 split on the bench for their Champions Cup showdown with Leinster, though they will be without their towering Wallaby lock Will Skelton.
The veteran No9 had made just four Top 14 appearances this season, his last coming as a starter in the late November loss to Vannes.
Bath boss Johann van Graan was left to reflect on “small margins” after his team lost their opening Investec Champions Cup game 24-20 against La Rochelle.
La Rochelle player ratings: La Rochelle demonstrated why they are two-time Champions Cup winners, showing composure and grit in a hard-fought 24-20 away victory.
Bath’s Investec Champions Cup hopes suffered an immediate setback as twice-winners La Rochelle triumphed 24-20 at the Recreation Ground.
Ronan O'Gara has laid to rest any concerns that he may rest some of his La Rochelle stars for their opening match of the Investec Champions Cup by naming a formidable outfit to run out at Bath's Rec on Friday.
Tawera Kerr-Barlow is set to leave La Rochelle at the end of the season to join Stade Français on a two-year deal - according to reports in France.