Ronan O'Gara: Pressure is an unwelcome imposter we have all struggled with

A second successive Champions Cup defeat can turn January sour. This is when pressure makes an unwelcome appearance in thought and deed, in what we do and decide not to do. In how we discard trusted routine.

MIX ‘N MATCH: Toulouse’s Matthis Lebel scores his side’s first try at Thomond Park. The French side showed an ability to mix the precise with the prosaic in defeating Munster in Limerick. 

THIS is France, a theatre of the absurd, where moments of great consequence are swallowed whole by the next great news cycle tsunami.

Rugby coach grabs referee. French Rugby Federation president - and World Rugby vice chairman – is found guilty of corruption. Receives suspended jail term. France, meanwhile, pours out onto the streets and boulevards to celebrate as Les Bleus advance to a second World Cup final in succession.