European Champions La Rochelle Face In-Form Bath in Season Opener
La Rochelle, the reigning European champions for two consecutive years, kicks off their quest for a historic three-peat this week. Their first opponent? Bath, a team currently riding a surge of momentum in the English Premiership and presenting a formidable challenge for the French giants.
Bath: A Fortress and Seven Straight Wins
The English side is in top form, currently leading the Premiership standings with an impressive run of seven consecutive victories. At their home stadium, Bath are particularly formidable, boasting eight wins out of their last ten matches. “We’ve built a strong foundation here at home,” said Finn Russell, Bath’s experienced fly-half. “The crowd is behind us, and we’re looking forward to taking on a great team like La Rochelle.”
La Rochelle: Away Day Blues
While La Rochelle’s trophy cabinet is overflowing, their recent form has been less than stellar. The Yellow and Black have stumbled in their last two TOP 14 matches and have struggled on the road. Five defeats in their last six away trips paint a concerning picture as they prepare to face Bath’s fortress.
History Favors La Rochelle
Despite Bath’s recent surge, La Rochelle can take heart from their previous encounters. The French champions have won both of their two duels against
Bath in recent years, securing victory in 2020 and 2022.
How to Watch the Match Live
The clash between these European titans will be broadcast live on beIN SPORTS 1. The kickoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. on Friday, December 6th. Irishman Andrew Brace will officiate the match, with the “Rugby Pack” show following the whistle.
To enjoy the live action, viewers need a paid beIN SPORTS subscription.
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Which Bath players are expected to make a significant impact against La Rochelle’s formidable squad?
## European Champions La Rochelle Face In-Form Bath in Season Opener
**Host:** Welcome back! Today we’re gearing up for a highly anticipated clash in the European Champions Cup. Joining us to break it down is rugby analyst Alex Reed. Welcome to the show!
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me! I’m excited for this matchup.
**Host:**
Let’s dive right in. La Rochelle, the two-time defending champions, are always a force to be reckoned with. How do you see them stacking up against a Bath side that’s been showing great form lately?
**Alex Reed:** It’s a great question. La Rochelle has proven they know how to win big games. They’ve got experience, talent, and a winning mentality. But Bath are definitely no pushovers. They’ve had a good run recently, and they’ll be eager to make a statement on the European stage.
This is a massive test for Bath. They’ll need to bring their A-game and capitalize on any mistakes La Rochelle makes. It should be a highly competitive encounter.
**Host:** Absolutely. And fans can catch all the action on Premier Sports, right?
**Alex Reed:** That’s correct. [1](https://www.rugbyworld.com/tournaments/european-champions-cup/how-to-watch-bath-v-la-rochelle-live-stream-the-opening-match-of-the-european-rugby-champions-cup-172908) They’ve secured the rights to air all 63 matches, so rugby fans have plenty to look forward to.
**Host:**
Well said. Thanks for the insights, Alex Reed. This is definitely a match-up we won’t want to miss.
