Ronan O'Gara: 'I hope they have the courage to go out into town. I expect to get a few insults. It’s important the players feel the fans’ frustration'

As Champions Cup week looms, Ronan O'Gara lays down challenge to La Rochelle players following home defeat to lowly Vannes

ENOUGH: La Rochelle's Irish coach Ronan O'Gara: It’s a big slap in the face.

Australian winger Suliasi Vunivalu discovered life in the Top 14 can be difficult on his first outing for Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle as they faded to a 14-23 loss against bottom-of-the-table Vannes at Stade Marcel Deflandre – their first domestic home defeat in more than a year.

The league convert – who featured in Australia’s 2023 World Cup campaign following his switch to Queensland Reds in 2021 after making his name with Melbourne Storm in the NRL – clearly still has to get to grips with La Rochelle’s game. He was caught out of position more than once and made several handling errors on his debut.