Botia At No.7 In Sunday’s Champions Cup Final

From second-five eighth to openside flanker, that’s the story of Flying Fijian star Levani Botia.

Dubbed the ‘Demolition Man’- Botia has been named at openside flanker for La Rochelle as they face Leinster in the grand final of the Heineken Champions Cup at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, on Sunday morning (Fiji time).This is a replay of last year’s grand final where La Rochelle came out victors 24-21 in Marseille.

La Rochelle head coach Ronan O’Gara believes his squad are ready for a hostile atmosphere in Dublin.

"There is a certain enjoyment factor when you go into the lion's den," said the Munster and Ireland legend.

"We will either grow or shrink."

The 46-year old admitted that Leinster who are dominated by Ireland international players have the home advantage but only increases the difficulty of winning the game. He has called on his players to rise to the challenge.

"We are in the home of Leinster, it is a really daunting task, but it is a great challenge and one that we want to succeed in," he said.

But one that is getting more attention, is La Rochelle’s weapon Botia.

Planet Rugby had this on Botia: “Few players can switch between the pack and backs, but there are even fewer that make it look seamless and are as dominant as Levani Botia is.

“The Fijian superstar has been outstanding since making the near-permanent shift onto the side of the scrum and is now one of the best players over the ball in world rugby. “His breakdown brilliance has not impacted his bulking ball carries and outrageous skills in possession.”

The match kicks-off at 3.45am.

Story By: Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj