Stade Rochelais’ resilience pleases O’Gara
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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.
Coming up with the goods yet again 💪@GregAlldritt's try on the stroke of HT was crucial in getting @staderochelais back in the game 💛
Extended #HeinekenChampionsCup highlights ➡️ https://t.co/958x8oYTzN pic.twitter.com/P7aIF357zw
— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) May 16, 2022
“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.”
