Leinster’s Heineken Champions Cup dream came to a crushing end as La Rochelle won their semi-final 32-23.
Leo Cullen’s men will be kicking themselves on missing out on the showpiece final after starting excellently in France but eventually falling to Ronan O’Gara’s side.
Tadhg Furlong had burst over the La Rochelle line after just eight minutes for the game’s opening try with Ross Byrne adding the two points.
Ihaia West replied throughout the first-half with his boot adding a 15th minute penalty and a drop goal 18 minutes later.
Ross Byrne added two penalties on 21 and 27 minutes to make it 13-6 but the hosts weren’t holding back with West sending over two three pointers to make it 13-12 at the break.
West kicked La Rochelle into the lead on 46 minutes before Byrne restored Leinster’s lead six minutes later.
However it was O’Gara’s side who got the better of the blues with West first sending over a 57th minute penalty.
Gregory Alldritt landed La Rochelle’s first try of the game on 65 minutes with William Skelton grounding their second seven minutes from time. West converted both.
Ross Byrne found his way over the line three minutes from the end and added the conversion but it was too little too late as Leinster bowed out 32-23.
Ronan O'Gara's side will play Toulouse in the May 22nd final at Twickenham stadium.
