Match Preview: Northampton face tough task vs Stade Rochelais

The second-placed French club have already qualified for the knockout stages as a result of a 100 per cent win record in the competition so far this season.

Saints, in contrast, have a solitary point to show for their efforts – from their 23-27 defeat at 14-man Munster Rugby last weekend – although they will be heartened by their second-half comeback at Thomond Park, having gone in 24-0 down at half-time.

The Pool B match kicks off at 1pm local time at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, and can be watched on ITV, BT Sport, beIN SPORTS, SuperSport and FloRugby.

Accuracy ✅
Composure ✅

Another outstanding display off the tee from @finsmithh, the 20 year-old landing five from five at Thomond Park. pic.twitter.com/Fuc4IDYgPR

— Northampton Saints 😇 (@SaintsRugby) January 16, 2023

Northampton Saints

• Lewis Ludlam made 18 carries in Round 3 – more than any other player.
• David Ribbans has made more tackles above the waist than any other player (34), accounting for 76 per cent of his attempts.
• Northampton have the joint-lowest rate of scrum success in the competition (67 per cent).
• Saints have conceded the most penalties for foul play in this season’s competition (7).

Stade Rochelais

• Despite scoring only two points in Round 3, Antoine Hastoy is still the competition’s top scorer so far this campaign with 44. His success rate off the tee is 84 per cent – the highest for a player who has attempted more than 16 shots at goal.
• Grégory Alldritt has made 20 pick-and-goes – more than any other player. From these, he has made a total of 29 metres, 21 in contact.
• Stade Rochelais have conceded the joint-fewest unforced turnovers in the competition (15).
• They have also made the most defensive ruck entries in the tournament so far (171), making a nuisance of themselves on 82 of these occasions.