Stade Rochelais’ resilience pleases O’Gara

Stade Rochelais’ resilience pleases O’Gara

Ronan O’Gara hailed Stade Rochelais’ mental strength as they reached a second successive Heineken Champions Cup final with victory over Racing 92.

La Rochelle saw off Racing 20-13 in a tight semi-final that was only sealed by Ihaia West’s late try and will now face Leinster Rugby in the final.

Head coach O’Gara, who was a two-time European champion as a Munster Rugby player, must now find a way of denying Leinster a fifth title, but he stressed making the final was a great achievement in itself.

He said: “It’s huge, to be in the final for a second time. It’s a proud moment for the club, for the fans. We would all like to win something. To make two finals, it’s great.

           
           
           

“I am very proud. It’s the mentally strongest team that won tonight.”


La Rochelle were 10-0 down midway through the first half but clawed their way back to trail 10-8 at the break.

A penalty try helped their cause in the second half before their hard work eventually paid off, with West going over late on.

O’Gara said: “I have a tight-knit group, fighting for each other. It’s magical. What pride tonight.

“We saw 46 players suffering, with this heat. The players made huge sacrifices. What a season Uini Atonio is having.

“We were 10-0 down and then we won, so for me, it means we worked really well.”

                   
                   
                   
                   

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