'I was locked in a cage upstairs' - Banned O'Gara savours dramatic drop-goal victory

Top 14 round-up: Watching from high in the stands, the La Rochelle coach saw Antoine Hastoy deliver a walk-off win that catapults his side into the top six

MOVING ON UP: Ronan O'Gara has La Rochelle back in Top 14 contention. Pic: ROMAIN PERROCHEAU / AFP

It seemed near-delusional when ‘caged’ Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle were struggling in the teeth of a 105-day winless storm – but, after a third victory in a row, they suddenly find themselves in the top six after an ulcer-inducing 30-29 success at Vannes on an day of high emotions in the Top 14.

This was the type of match the Rochelais would let slip away earlier this year. In truth, it looked like they were about to do it again as they let an early 12-0 lead slip against a tigerish Breton side determined to fight for Top 14 survival to the final second.