Ronan O'Gara and La Rochelle scraped past Bayonne last night in their Top 14 clash at the Stade Marcel Deflandre.
The victry was sealed by 19-year-old French out-half, Hugo Reus, who slotted over a last minute penalty to put his side 18-15 ahead.
Ronan O'Gara Clearly Impressed With Clutch Kick From Reus
Ronan O'Gara's intense look on the touchline told you all you needed to know about what he thought about the ice-cool kick from the young kid who had only been introduced two minutes earlier.
Some of Ireland's U20s side will be familiar with Reus, having played against him in U20s Six Nations and in the final of the World Championship, and will likely face him once again in next year's U20s Six Nations.
READ HERE: Crowley Reveals Why He Had To Turn Down Ronan O’Gara's La Rochelle Offer
19-year-old outhalf Hugo Reus kicks the winning penalty for La Rochelle tonight just before time expired, two minutes after coming on.
The look from ROG tells you he knows he has a keeper.
Ireland will be seeing Reus in the U20s Six Nations.pic.twitter.com/PiB9lsp1NX
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) November 11, 2023
14 July 2023; Hugo Reus of France and Paul Costes of France celebrate after the U20 Rugby World Cup Final between Ireland and France at Athlone Sports Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. Photo by Shaun Roy/Sportsfile
It was a crucial win for Ronan O'Gara, after a tough start to the season, and it sent them a point of Bayonne in the league in what was only their second win of the season.
Before the game, O'Gara laid the gauntlet down to his players, and made it clear that French caps will not be coming their way if the current standard of performance continued.
"It's in the weak times that we learn the most. During 4 matches, some did not take advantage of the opportunity ", said O'Gara.
"There were a lot of internationals, guys who would like to knock on Marcoussis’ door. But it’s important that they look in the mirror, we shouldn’t be surprised when Fabien doesn’t call them".
SEE ALSO: Watch: Ben Healy Breaks Connacht Hearts With Epic Last Play Drop-Goal
