Team Updates and Key Returns

• Peter O'Mahony makes his long-awaited return to Munster's lineup after missing action since Ireland's Six Nations finale against Italy on March 15. The 35-year-old flanker brings crucial leadership and physicality to the back row.
• Injury Comebacks:
  • Wing Andrew Smith and full-back Thaakir Abrahams (making his first appearance since December) return to bolster Munster's backline.
  • Lock Jean Kleyn adds experience to the pack, while John Hodnett (previously doubtful with a thigh issue) joins O'Mahony and Gavin Coombes in a dynamic back-row trio.
• Absences: Centre Alex Nankivell remains suspended after Munster's failed appeal against his red card. Sean O'Brien replaces him in midfield.

La Rochelle’s Struggles and Tactical Edge

• The two-time defending champions (2022, 2023) are in poor form, winless in their last eight matches (7 losses, 1 draw). Scrum-half Tawera Kerr-Barlow returns, but coach Ronan O'Gara faces an uphill battle against his former club.
• Historical Context: This marks the first competitive meeting between the sides, adding intrigue to the knockout-stage clash.

Match Details

• Venue: Stade Marcel-Deflandre
• Date: Saturday, 5 April
• Kick-off: 17:30 BST
• Coverage: Live text commentary on BBC Sport.

Lineups

La Rochelle:

• Starters: Leyds; Nowell, Thomas, Seuteni, Bosmorin; West, Kerr-Barlow; Wardi, Bourgarit, Atonio; Lavault, Skelton; Botia, Jegou, Alldritt (capt).
• Bench: Lespiaucq; Kaddouri, Juntlia, Dillane, Cancoriet, Haddad, Hastoy, Favre.

Munster:

• Starters: Abrahams; Nash, Farrell, O’Brien, Smith; Crowley, Casey; Loughman, Barron, Jager; Kleyn, Beirne (capt); O’Mahony, Hodnett, Coombes.
• Bench: N Scannell, J Wycherley, Archer, F Wycherley, Ahern, Murray, R Scannell, Kendellen.

Key Storylines

• Can Munster exploit La Rochelle’s slump?
• Will O’Mahony’s presence galvanize Munster’s forward dominance?
• How will O’Gara’s tactical nous impact his underperforming side?