WATCH: Munster Rugby score pulsating win over La Rochelle to book Champions Cup quarter-final spot

MUNSTER Rugby scored a dramatic 25-24 victory over Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle in Stade Marcel-Deflandre to secure a place in next weekend's Investec Champions Cup quarter-finals.

Munster's reward for securing their first away win in the knock-out stages of the Champions Cup in France for 23 years is a last eight date with Bordeuax Begles or Ulster who meet in their last 16 clash in France tomorrow, Sunday. If it's Bordeaux-Begles the game will be back in France or if it's Ulster it will take place at Thomond Park next weekend.

For Munster's travelling support of upwards of 3,000 and the tens of thousands watching at home on TV, the win rekindled memories of some of the province's greatest ever wins on the road in Europe.

The sides served up an enthralling last 16 contest, which featured six tries and four yellow cards split evenly between the two teams.

A sublime drop goal from Jack Crowley in the 68th minute ultimately proved crucial to Munster's nail-biting success as it pushed the visitors two scores ahead, 25-17, with just over 10 minutes remaining.

@Munsterrugby's Jack Crowley reacts to winning on the road against La Rochelle

"It's no joke coming here. It's a serious place." ️#InvestecChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/OBX69yUUSb

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) April 5, 2025

However, the drama was far from done as Munster had to survive a strong late La Rochelle fightback before ending the French Top 14 side's bid for a third Champions Cup trophy.

Indomitable Munster took control of the game with two tries inside five second-half minutes from Gavin Coombes and Andrew Smith, but were still left praying for the final whistle to come.

Coombes charge down score in the 47th minute had given the visitors their first lead of the game before Smith dotted down in the corner with La Rochelle's Dillyn Leyds in the sin-bin.

Sensational by Gavin Coombes!

The @Munsterrugby man scores after a brilliant block followed by footballing skills #InvestecChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/Ito5c0Jo39

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) April 5, 2025

That put Munster in a strong position, leading 22-10, but, after a penalty try followed by a 78th-minute score for Hoani Bosmorin, the Irish side were left to hold on in a hugely dramatic finish.

Munster had trailed 7-10 at half-time. Craig Casey scored their first half try following a stunning break from full-back Thaakir Abrahams. Crowley also added the conversion. For La Rochelle, out-half Ihaia West converted Levani Botia's 10th minute try and also added a penalty on the stroke of half-time.

"Craig Casey has scored a cracker!" ️

What a step by Thaakir Abrahams to set up the try that has @Munsterrugby on the board #InvestecChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/eWgZdzKn4Z

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) April 5, 2025

More to follow: -