Gloucester Rugby leave it late to beat Stade Rochelais

Gloucester Rugby withstood a spirited Stade Rochelais performance to secure a 33-20 victory in Thursday night's European Challenge Cup clash at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre.

The visitors were quick off the mark as Greig Laidlaw slotted a penalty after just two minutes, but the French side countered with a kick of their own two minutes later.

Gloucester then crossed over through Ben Morgan, but again La Rochelle remained hot on their heels when Julien Audy notched up a try in the ninth minute.

Laurie Fisher's charges ended the first half 19-13 up after lack of discipline from the hosts allowed Laidlaw to score a further three penalties, but they were to fall behind when Jason Eaton crossed over just after the restart and Fabien Fortassin converted.

Nevertheless Glos were able to get back in front and ultimately ended the game 11 points clear after Steve McColl and Charlie Sharples ran in two more tries.