While Ronan O'Gara might have enjoyed a largely successful start to his European season, life in France hasn't been as rosy for his La Rochelle side whose tumultuous league run continued on Sunday night with a defeat to Toulon.
O'Gara had fielded a youth-laden team that rejuvenated their attack and allowed them to play with a freedom going forward that's been scarcely present this season, his side taking Toulon by storm early on to claim a 17-0 lead.
However, where they flourished in attack they suffered in defence, falling far short of the mark and conceding 46 points for the nine they added to their scoreline.
Speaking after the 45-26 loss to the French giants, O'Gara was in interesting form, hailing the impact of his youth squad all the while blaming himself for not utilising them earlier in what has been a difficult run for Les Maritimes.
"I don't hold back on the defeat. It was an interesting evening. It gives me more keys for the season. I have more options after this match. I'm happy. I like seeing my players evolve like that. They are youngsters from La Rochelle... We all started like that one day. I must also be criticized after this because I didn't give an opportunity before tonight. That's the truth. I'm disappointed in myself. I thought about it. I hesitated. I blame myself.
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Ronan O'Gara unhappy with 'small team' treatment
After taking responsibility for not showing his youth players more trust this season, the Munster legend's attention turned to the quality of refereeing offered up by New Zealander Paul Williams on the night.
O'Gara had taken particular umbrage to crocodile roles he felt his side had been subject to and are the current focus of an intense crackdown by World Rugby, however, he was also annoyed by what he perceived as 'small team' treatment by the referee.
I don't want us to be refereed like a small team.
We have to respect the rules. An away team has the right to win the match. It wasn’t a Frenchman tonight, but I’m going to be in court soon regarding the refereeing.
I need to talk about it and protect my team. He has to learn, there were croc rolls and neck holds, It’s not allowed in the rules so I’m very disappointed.
I'm very disappointed. In the end, we led 17-0 and we lost the match. There's class in Toulon, but... I have to grit my teeth.
While O'Gara has enjoyed much European success during his tenure in La Rochelle, the Top-14 remains the biggest title to elude them, with O'Gara making no secret of his desire to win the title at the start of this season.
Despite the poor start, his side have enjoyed a slight turn in fortunes in recent weeks, recording wins over both Toulouse and Clermont Auvergne in recent weeks. Should they still have eyes to win the French league, however, finding a currently non-existent consistency will be key.
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