In Charente-Maritime, the fight for the position of fly-half resembles an endless game of arm wrestling. Mid-season, Stade Rochelais continues to look for its “boss” in the key position, where its rivals have found providential men. Between Antoine Hastoy, Ihaia West and Hugo Reus, none seems to establish themselves in the long term, and Ronan O’Gara does not hesitate to kick the anthill.
The cursed chair of number 10
The Hastoy case is of concern. After three matches spent outside the match sheets, the international fly-half, indisputable since his arrival in 2022, sees his situation called into question. « It’s a real choice of the staff. What if we expect more from him? Exactly. And he knows it », explained Romain Carmignani, deputy to Ronan O’Gara, without trying to drown out the fish in the columns of Rugbyrama.
The Irish coach, faithful to his incisive style, recently recalled this on BeIN Sports: « Number 10 is available for someone who wants to show their class and responsibility for the team. The most important thing for a big 10 is the mind. »
West, the man of the moment?
Taking advantage of Hastoy’s sidelining, Ihaia West took the reins in the two European matches against Bath and Bristol. The Maori, often underrated, showed promising consistency. His double at Deflandre and his success against the poles (87% this season) are weighty arguments. His magnificent foot pass for Nowell’s try is the symbol of the current success of the 32-year-old fly-half.
Despite everything, Ronan O’Gara remains cautious: “You can’t have a good match and then a bad match. The goal is to be consistent and prepare well each week. » A regularity that West will have to prove in each outing to hope to keep his starting status.
The shadow of a young prodigy
Meanwhile, young prospect Hugo Reus has only played 25 minutes since October. Ronan O’Gara could nevertheless relaunch it to prepare for the future. As for Hastoy, piqued in his pride, he has everything to prove after a successful Argentinian tour with the Blues.
What if none of the three manages to win? The name of Diego Jurd, only 18 years old, begins to be whispered in the aisles of Deflandre. During the summer preparation, this raw talent left its mark, and some dream of seeing him make the grade.
O’Gara’s puzzle
“Every player on this team wants to be a starter. We all have the same desire to be number 1, but we work well together”entrusts Ihaia West to South West. But for Ronan O’Gara, managing this trio remains a challenge: “It’s very difficult for me to manage ushers.” the Irishman told Midi Olympique.
One thing is certain: in La Rochelle, the 10 chair remains one of the most coveted seats… and the most uncomfortable.
