O’Gara: it’s just a step in the right direction

RONAN O’GARA’S vast international experience and his leadership role with Munster, made him the right man to address the Irish troops prior to the game against France.

He stressed the need for greater self belief and how they shouldn’t settle for just a decent performance. However, his words appeared to have fallen on deaf ears for more than half of Saturday’s helter-skelter encounter but eventually the message filtered through and Ireland departed Paris with their spirits appreciably lifted.

“We’ve been trying to get credibility back and so far we haven’t done that,” he said. “Today, although, we took a step in the right direction, this team badly needs a win. It’s been a long time since we’ve played well. I asked the players to be honest and I thought we were honest against France. Now, we need to kick on from here.”