La Rochelle director of rugby Jono Gibbes has declared that his side are ready for their bid to make history on Saturday by reaching a European final for the first time. Never before have La Rochelle played in a European Cup or Challenge Cup decider, but they have a great chance to rectify that omission when they host Sale Sharks at Stade Marcel Deflandre, after demolishing Pau 71-21 at home in the TOP 14 last weekend. “The win against Pau was great, but the challenge will be completely different on Saturday evening,” said New Zealander Gibbes. “Everyone is looking forward to playing in this match. Team selection has been hard, but everyone is ready.” [jwplayer 4OyHIb5m] Gibbes’ declaration was backed by two of his players – scrum-half Arthur Retière and prop Uini Atonio, who has won 32 caps for France. Retière, who has scored 13 points in his three Challenge Cup appearances this season and was man of the match in the Round 6 win at Zebre, said: “We’ve given ourselves the means to reach the semi-finals and we don’t want to stop there.” Atonio, who has also played three times in Europe this season, added: “We have the chance to make history for the club.”

You can watch the first meeting between La Rochelle and Sale Sharks on beIN SPORTS and BT Sport. Kick-off is at 17:30 BST.