Top 14: 'Proud' Ronan O'Gara will sleep easier despite another loss on the road

La Rochelle may end the weekend in 12th after a third defeat in five games but the performance pleased O'Gara

La Rochelle head coach Ronan O'Gara Pic: XAVIER LEOTY / AFP

‘Proud’ Ronan O’Gara predicted he would enjoy a good night’s rest after his La Rochelle came within a whisker of victory at Stade Francais in the Top 14 on Saturday.

And no wonder. La Rochelle may end the weekend in 12th after back-to-back on-the-road losses and three defeats in the five games they have played, but his side’s committed, critic-quieting performance in the capital was night and day compared to the dismal effort at Montpellier last weekend.