Ronan O’Gara let down by his kickers as La Rochelle lose opener to Toulouse

Those kicks proved the difference on a night when Donnacha Ryan also made his bow as La Rochelle forwards coach

Toulouse fly-half Romain Ntamack looks to collect the dropping ball in a melee with La Rochelle players during their Top 14 clash at Marcel Deflandre Stadium last night. Picture: Xavier Leoty/Getty Images

Top 14: La Rochelle 16 Toulouse 20

A losing start to Ronan O’Gara’s reign as La Rochelle director of rugby when, of all things, his kickers let him down as Toulouse, as they did in last year’s finals, found a way to do a number on an exciting side who need to find a way to win these tight big contests.