Former La Rochelle star Victor Vito believes the French side has taken steps forward since their 2021/22 Champions Cup triumph.
Vito’s last act for the club was lifting the famous trophy last year after triumphing over Leinster in a very tight game.
La Rochelle managed to power their way through to yet another final setting up a replay of last year’s clash, only this time it is in Dublin.
“Blueprint of success”
Regardless, the ex-All Black believes winning the title last year over the same opponents gives them a blueprint to win it again.
“They’ve got a blueprint of success from last year which makes it easier,” Vito told AFP.
“The calmness that needs to come around you emotionally, spiritually when these games come up and the maturity is all there.
“If anything, they’ve gone a step ahead and I’m really looking forward to the game.”
A proud record
The former back-row had a glittering career winning big trophies everywhere he went, including Super Rugby, Champions Cup and two World Cups – a record he is proud of.
“I’m pretty much a glorified taxi driver for my kids now taking them back and forth to their sports at the weekend and then during the week for training and school,” said Vito.
“I’m pretty content and proud of the record I’ve had.
“I can say I’ve done my bit and be pretty happy with the way in which I’ve left all my jerseys.”
Brutal power
A part of the La Rochelle make-up and style is their brutal physicality enforced primarily by the gargantuan duo of Uini Atonio and Will Skelton.
“Those guys are like our pillars, the big bodyguards, you have to get past those two to get to our team,” Vito added.
“Will’s a massive character, people talk about his size but rugby-wise he’s got a good brain, he knows the game and the opposition really well.
“A guy like Uini Atonio is another smart cookie. He tries to give off that he’s just a joker and all that but he’s quite calculated, he knows what he’s doing, he’s a big part of the success in that La Rochelle squad.”
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Vito highlighted the crucial influence of scrum-half Tawera Kerr-Balow who will be a key star in the clash this weekend.
“Tawera is also really important, he’s one of the best nines in the world, helping to direct La Rochelle’s play,” he said.
“I’ll be giving him a call this week too, to see how the boys are doing, how they’re training and give him some stick to get it in there.”
Particularly, with the absence of Johnny Sexton in the Leinster set-up, Vito has backed his former side to claim another title.
“With Johnny not being there, early on it might not make a difference but as the game wears on, potentially the experience La Rochelle have of winning the game last year, and having a decent bench, I’m backing my guys to win,” he said.