Bernard salutes ‘world-class’ O’Gara

CASTRES out-half Pierre Bernard has paid tribute to his opposite number Ronan O’Gara following Munster’s last gasp win in Toulouse on Saturday.

The young out-half kicked his side into an early lead with two well taken penalties but was given a master class in match-winning drop goals by the veteran Munster flyhalf.

“O’Gara is a world-class player and made the difference tonight just as he did last weekend,” said Bernard.

“There’s a lot of the frustration in the dressing-room because we weren’t a long way away from winning the game. That said, when you have someone like O’Gara on your team, anything is always possible.’’

The gut-wrenching 24-27 loss was Castres’ second of the campaign, meaning the French side are all but out of this year’s competition.

However Bernard maintained the club was on a learning curve when it came to the Heineken Cup, and would use the lessons wisely.

He said: “There’s a lot of work still to do to be able to reach the level of this kind of team. Last season we gave ourselves the means to qualify for this competition and our participation must be used in a way that allows us to grow.”

Bernard was adamant Munster’s experience had been the only real difference between the two sides — a quality he maintained, which had been forged over many years of competing in the cauldron of the Heineken Cup. “We were eight points ahead at the break but the experience of Munster was the difference in the end.

“In fairness, they are twice champions of Europe and have been participating in Europe for the last ten years. We are not yet at their level.

“In time, this loss will serve us well as we learn to become a better team.’’

Coach Laurent Labit agreed the lack of experience in his team had been the telling factor which had effectively decided the match.

“We paid for it today with our lack of experience but we hope that it will benefit us in terms of the league which remains our major objective,” said Labit. “I think there was very little between the teams, save for that inexperience on our part. We lost two or three balls at the end of the game which could have put them in a bit of trouble.

“We also conceded a try from a blocked clearance. These are the things that make a difference.”

With back to back matches against Northampton now on the horizon for rounds three and four, Labit was evasive when asked if they would lose interest in the Heineken Cup.

He added: “We can’t say that we prefer [Europe] over the Top 14. The Top 14 is something cultural for us. Other teams in the championship like Toulouse and Clermont have ambitions of being at the top in both competitions. But we’ll continue to enjoy the experience of Europe.”