Saturday will be remembered as the day that Leinster shook off the hoodoo that Ronan O'Gara and La Rochelle have had on them over the past three years. While Leinster won on La Rochelle's home ground in December, Saturday's 40-13 victory before a sold-out Aviva stadium in a knockout match was an emphatic leveler.
That said, the booing of Ronan O'Gara by certain sectors of Leinster support was a bum note on an otherwise triumphant day.
There were audible boos heard throughout the stadium anytime O'Gara's face appeared on the Aviva jumbotron, as Rog performed a pantomime villain role for some.
It was most obvious during the extended break for Tawera Kerr-Barlow to receive medical care.
The stadium camera panned to O'Gara in the La Rochelle coaching box, triggering a smattering of boos. O'Gara gave a thumbs up to the camera, and more boos followed.
Was at game today - great atmosphere - but not a fan of the booing of opposition coach. #LEIvLAR was like a pantomime villain at times. pic.twitter.com/YyuzJLH5hT
— Brett Igoe (@brettruganalyst) April 13, 2024
Debate over booing of Ronan O'Gara
The booing has been fiercely debated on social media in the aftermath of the game, with many Leinster and non-Leinster fans uncomfortable with it. A cohort of Leinster supporters feel the treatment is deserved because of his role in stoking the rivalry between the clubs. Others have said it was done in a jokey, lighthearted way.
It is very unusual in Irish rugby, and possibly unprecedented given the smallness of the playing population, for an Irish coach to be booed by Irish fans, especially one who has been capped internationally 128 times.
Leinster fans might say it's unusual for a sector of Irish fans to support a French club over an Irish one in a knockout game of rugby.
It's a testament to how intense the rivalry between O'Gara and Leinster has gotten over the past few seasons. Saturday was Leinster's day. The possibility exists that Ronan O'Gara will be the successor to Andy Farrell and coach an Ireland team dominated Leinster players.
O'Gara was not asked about the booing in his press conference afterwards. He was, however, magnanimous towards the victors.
If you had a small bit of cop on, you could see that the more dominant team was in blue. They were sharper to everything and they made it difficult for us, their rush defence worked well.
Leinster must win two more games to claim the cup that O'Gara's La Rochelle have denied them over the three previous years.
SEE ALSO: McCarthy & Baird Unlock New Dimension In Leinster Side To Help End La Rochelle Hoodoo
