La Rochelle's Struggles Continue After Dramatic European Exit

Former Ireland legend and La Rochelle head coach Ronan O'Gara has admitted his team is in "freefall" following their dramatic 25-24 Champions Cup last-16 defeat to his former club Munster. This marks the French side's ninth consecutive winless match across all competitions.

Concerning Form Slump

The back-to-back Champions Cup winners (2021-22, 2022-23) find themselves in unfamiliar territory:

• 10th position in Top 14 standings
• Just 4 points from playoff spots
• Only 8 points clear of relegation zone
• Last victory came against weakened Toulouse on January 4th

"We're missing a key ingredient which is confidence and belief," O'Gara confessed. "The opposition isn't going to get any weaker in Top 14. We have to find solutions quickly."

The Crucial Munster Encounter

The match featured several dramatic moments:

• Jack Crowley's 70th-minute drop goal proved decisive
• 2,000+ Munster fans created electric atmosphere
• Three tries scored by the Irish province

O'Gara acknowledged the irony: "It was pretty ironic how they won it... that's a top-class drop-goal." As a Munster legend known for clutch kicks, he admitted the peculiar feeling of being on the opposing side.

Road Ahead for La Rochelle

The team faces crucial upcoming fixtures:

1. Bayonne (Home) - April 13
2. Bordeaux-Bégles (Away) - April 20

O'Gara emphasized the need for mental resilience: "I was hoping this would turn our season but we must go back to drawing board. What can be resurrected, we will resurrect."

Munster's European Resurgence

The victory marked:

• A return to Heineken Cup-era performances
• First quarterfinal appearance since 2019
• Notable away win against defending champions

O'Gara praised his former club: "I always knew there was huge performance in Munster today. They love coming to France."