One victory և everything changes. Winning the Champions League two weeks ago against the formidable Irish state of Leinster, the Stade Rochelais has changed its size. He entered the big leagues on the side of the prize list. It was on the personal sideone click“, Assures manager Rona O’Gara, surprisingly calm, before challenging the defending champions of Toulouse at home on Saturday night in the Top 14 playoffs, in the semi-final against Castres.Definitely, yes, this title has caused a click. The football players are much stronger with their heads. They took control with Greg (Aldrit) at its core. And all the big matches are played in the mind …»
Nevertheless, there is a mountain. Stad Toulouse, deprived of his European crown, wants to retain the Bernus shield to save his season without finishing without a trophy. The Reds have also won their last six matches against Stade Rochele, including last season’s two finals: the European Cup and the French Championship. «There is a complex against Toulouse, it must be recognized and accepted– the Irish technician answers very calmly. But at some point, it must end. And the players said after the last defeat, stop (April 23-16, 30). Then, it’s easy to say, you have to do it now. The initiative depends on us. But, at the moment, we are able to find many more solutions on the spot than before. »
It is time. The deadline is perfect. We must show what we are capable of.
Ronan O’Gara
Rona O’Gara does not speak the language of wood. He shows his conviction. His team, the reservoir of confidence full of the title of European champion, is now capable of everything. «This group knows no boundaries. We are not going to put that on him. We are just starting to accelerate. We have players for thatdoes not hesitate to confirm the Maritimes mentor at the press conference. I think we are much stronger with the ball in defense. If we eliminate stupid mistakes …»
According to him, there are no reasons to believe in the end of the TV series. He mentions that his team has won its last fifteen matches in thirteen since mid-February (defeats in Toulon…… Toulouse). Let the dynasty of defeated opponents prove the value of their players. That these are not satisfied. The opposite. Ambition comes with victory. «It is time. The deadline is perfect. We must show what we are capable of. This is an opportunity to show our level. We are going there with great determination. We are going to play our game, and I say why not us. »
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And to those who believe that the Rochellens are exhausted in the midst of a fierce battle against Leinster, “a huge feast four days later,” he replies with a smile. «I think the players are in good shape. They do not get tired, there is good energy during trainings.The first star embroidered on the shirt should wear them. This is confirmed by the symbolic second series Romen Sazi. «We realized that it was quite possible. We had completed the rounds of the vice-champions. It is good when you are no longer the little one who has never won anything …»
It is impossible to imagine that Saturday is our last game. This version is not in our head.
Ronan O’Gara
Capital of trust that can upset the balance of power against Toulouse. «My players have great matches against great opponents. They are confident after Marseille (Champions Cup final venue, editor’s note). It is time to show that we can win in Toulouse. We know that it is a huge challenge that Toulouse is at home and there are world-class players ahead. But it remains to be seen what we would like to do. To take advantage of this great opportunity. We are the ones who have the “middle”. let’s go!, Ronan O’Gara starts completely relaxed. If we want to become the champion of France, what is the goal, then we must beat the best teams.»
And when he is reminded once again that Toulouse has the advantage in the last seasons (8 victories in eleven confrontations, including the last six), he expresses himself with irony. «It has been a long time, yes. But we have been European champions for a long time …Never really. Just to emphasize that nothing is impossible. «It is impossible to imagine that Saturday is our last meeting. This option is not in our headsconcludes the manager with unwavering determination. Like its players, transformed by their continental conquest.
Source: Le Figaro
