Ronan O'Gara's long-awaited reunion with former club Munster ended in defeat as he watched his La Rochelle lose by a point to the province on Saturday afternoon.
O'Gara, who has won two Champions Cups during his time in the south of France, watched on as Jack Crowley separated the two sides with a stunning drop goal.
The Munster out-half's contribution proved crucial in what was a tightly-contested affair, Munster holding on for a 25-24 win on French soil.
The match had many swings of momentum, but most prominent was undoubtedly Teddy Thomas' decision not to cross over the try-line before the break.
Thomas had space to run into out wide, but opted to charge back in-field to presumably make for a more kickable conversion despite the presence of Munster defenders in front of him.
La Rochelle did not get what looked to be a certain try, Thomas' former teammate Simon Zebo labelling the decision 'borderline arrogant' on commentary for Premier Sports.
What was he thinking? pic.twitter.com/ehSXmOhyhI
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) April 5, 2025
Ronan O'Gara laments Teddy Thomas miss vs Munster
Thomas had been a pest for Munster to deal with otherwise, causing trouble both out wide and in the central channels but his lapse of judgement undoubtedly proved game-defining.
Head coach O'Gara felt as much when reflecting on yet another loss for his side, which had been depleted with injuries prior to this week.
It's difficult because we lost key moments," O'Gara reflected, as per Rugbyrama.
"There was the sequence of events with Coombes' counterattack try just after the highlight, when there was an open goal to score. These are big moments in a match like that.
"This defeat is nothing like some we've experienced in the last two months. Today was a good match, but we didn't seize the opportunities. It's very disappointing.
"We have to congratulate Munster, who had a great plan with some very well-played kicks and guys who won the aerial balls. We didn't win either the ground game or the aerial game. When you lose both, it's difficult to win.
"There were some good things from time to time with the ball, but not enough."
The moment that swung the momentum of the Munster game.
Teddy Thomas has an easy try in the corner but steps in and tries to beat three Munster men.
It didn't work.
Great to hear Simon Zebo call out his former teammate. 'Borderline arrogant'
pic.twitter.com/EZDGy7kjI2— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) April 5, 2025
It is hard to disagree with O'Gara's assessment, who has stressed that the priority now is to avoid relegation from the Top 14.
Munster, meanwhile, could face another trip to France to take on in-form Bordeax Begles next weekend if the club is to get the better of Ulster on Sunday.
However, if Ulster cause the upset then Munster will instead play host due to their superior seeding in the quarter-finals of the competition.
