Top 14: Ronan O’Gara says Stade Francais clash is as important as Champions Cup final
La Rochelle head coach Ronan O’Gara says their Top 14 clash with Stade Francais is just as important as the upcoming Champions Cup final.
O’Gara’s charges triumphed over Racing 92 last week in the European semi-finals, booking a place in the final against Leinster in Marseille on May 28.
Domestic focus
However, the Irishman wants his team to focus on this weekend’s league meeting with their Top 14 rivals before thinking of the Champions Cup final.
“While it is easy to look over the garden gate at the glitz of the Champions Cup final in Marseille on Saturday week, this weekend’s Top 14 game at home to Stade Francais is every bit as important in terms of prestige and finality,” he wrote in his Irish Examiner column.
“The players all understand what I meant this week talking about two finals. And that some will play their final against Stade, others will play their final against Leinster.
“They are, right now, the only definite remaining games left in our season. If we don’t beat Stade, it’s virtually certain the game tomorrow week in Marseille is our last of the campaign.”
Performing on the domestic scene is essential for the club’s fans, and the former Munster fly-half is well aware that play-off qualification is critical.
“There is a large constituency of traditional rugby supporters here who would be mortified at the prospect of not making the top six and the barrage (play-offs),” he added.
“And we do not want to begin preparations on Monday for a Champions Cup final having been eliminated from the Bouclier. That’s why tomorrow is all duck or no dinner for us.”
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