A few minutes after La Rochelle's improved victory against Paris (35-18), manager Ronan O'Gara appeared at the broadcaster's microphone. The Irishman first expressed his self-criticism after the completely failed trip to Montpellier, before asserting that his team had a margin of improvement of 70%. He also explained his choice to start Oscar Jegou, back on the field.
A Stade Rochelais has two faces, Saturday evening, against the Stade Français. Borrowed, undisciplined and trailing at the break, the Maritimes changed gear after returning from the locker room to score 24 points and win with the offensive bonus (35-18).
At the final whistle, and after a long lap of honor to once again thank the unfailing loyalty of Marcel-Deflandre's audience, Ronan O'Gara appeared at the Canal + microphone to debrief a success as a sign of sorry after last weekend's non-performance. It was also at the Montpellier meeting that the manager began his intervention, by introspecting. “The week was different after the non-match in Montpellier. I had to look at myself in the mirror. We had a meeting with the players, and I told them that they had been suffering. And when my team is suffering, I'm the one responsible. It hurt my heart, I was sad and my outlook completely changed. I respect my players, we've won a lot together and we're going to win again. “When I speak with them, the message must be more positive, but I must also say the reality, which is that a lot of people paid to go see this match in Montpellier.
Appreciated by his players and recognized for his technical talents, the former fly-half can also be tough with his team. A requirement of which the ex-Munsterman is aware. “It's easy to look at the things that don't work out in life. Life is difficult for many and we are privileged to play rugby. We had two non-matches in Bayonne and Montpellier, but apart from that, We’re good.”
Starting Oscar Jegou was obvious
O'Gara is obviously still looking for the right formula at the start of the season. If Stade Rochelais is in a comfortable 3rd place, two points behind Toulouse and Bordeaux-Bègles, the manager thinks his team is capable of doing much better. “What did Stade Français do this evening? When we perform well, and with a little more brain and intelligence, we can get to 35-0. This is not a lack of respect for Stade Français. Just, we are developing our game. I think our three-quarters are finding their form.“
And to wonder: “Should I create more freedom in the game? What is certain is that we are at 30% of our capacity and that really excites me. We have a 70% margin for improvement.” Exciting at home, the Yellow and Black must now show the same face on the road. This is good, they will have the opportunity to prove it when they return from vacation with a perilous trip to Castres.
Finally, questioned by Romain Lafitte on the return and the tenure of its young third line Oscar Jegouthe Irish manager revealed that the decision was taken by his leaders. “The directors Pierre Venayre and Vincent Merling decided it was the time for him to play. I had no opinion because it was something that was decided above me.” But for the former number 10 to specify: “To start him was obvious. Because he is a class player.”
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