Stade Rochelais have secured their first win in the European Rugby Challenge Cup this season, surviving a late push from Zebre to claim a 27-19 win.
The hosts made a strong start as they attempted to put defeats in their opening two matches of the pool stage behind them, with Benjamin Lapeyre and Jone Qovu Nailiko both scoring tries in the first 20 minutes.
A fast break from Rochelais before the break saw Kini Murimurivalu extend their lead further, before Fabien Fortassin secured the bonus point with a fourth in the second half.
The visitors finally got on the board in the last 20 minutes as Giulio Toniolatti powered his way across the line from a maul following a lineout.
Zebre gave themselves a chance at a comeback as Guglielmo Palazzani leapt across the line shortly after to close the gap to 15 points heading into the final 10 minutes, but a penalty try came too late, leaving the visitors short.
Sian Cowper
