Leinster's missed moments | Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle journey | Alan Quinlan

Former Munster and Ireland player Alan Quinlan was in the OTB AM studio to talk about Leinster's second defeat in-a-row at the hands of La Rochelle.
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[@tobiren1]

James Ryan going off made a big difference

[@alanobrien3736]

Met Alan at half time in the Aviva. I'm sure he was very busy but stopped to have a few words with three anxious Leinster fabs. Complete legend!

[@riverwolf654]

Its great for Ireland to see their weaknesses now

[@fergalohearga9594]

I don't think Jaco is a very good ref, but Leinster have nothing to complain about ... I don't have enough fingers to count the number of times that Leinster players launched themselves like missiles into a ruck.

[@gchelem]

you prefer Barnes don't you? 🤣

[@conorfurlong]

Leinster do have plenty to complain about regarding the poor refereeing.

[@BobH-eh8wu]

Are you sure you’re not getting mixed up with cleaning out rucks now because it sounds a bit like that’s what you’re talking about 😂😂 he literally doesn’t referee the breakdown Doris was standing over the ball on one or two occasions with La Rochelle not releasing and he just ignored it.

[@stevenbissett]

Irish blaming the ref after being 17-0 up? Give me a break. Please.

[@Kevin-lf4xx]

Unbelievable decision at the end not to take a drop goal.

[@jebushcrist]

Yeah, couldn't believe it at the time but I wasn't on the pitch, for good reason

[@unforseenlaboratories8277]

Crazy not ta.

[@Alex-mj5dv]

Not sure it was completely on though

[@jebushcrist]

@@Alex-mj5dv yeah, somebody said something similar. I'd have to rewatch to make certain but can't bring myself to watch it again

[@foxyboiiyt3332]

​@@Alex-mj5dv Camped on the La Rogelle line 3 minutes our needing just a point. Perfect DG situation

[@Natedawg38]

Imma say this is pure homework for andy farrell. Hes 3 months to look at where leinster fell down but i dont think it takes a rugby coach to see why. The constant kicking in the second half signed the game over to lr. Ive never seen Ireland do that under faz, they attack. Whatever about anything else but after their blitzkrieg leinster decided to camp on the score when it was too early. Another try wouldve sealed it, they broke too early and tbh ive never seen those players so exhausted! This goes back to the urc semi. Farrell would never have guarded his players and he would've thrown them into the ether like nz and 6n. This is what you have to do to win world cups. So the positive is some irish players now realize theyre not invincible and can crack on over the summer. Its no terrible thing to lose by 1 point to lr.

[@paulnash5500]

Leinster needs a Brad Thorn or Rocky Elson in the pack. Don't get me wrong, Leinster is a brilliant team, but they need a rock star of a player to help close games. The game plan in the 2nd half. I didn't understand it. Kicking the ball back to them?? And then having to tackle beasts. No sense 😕. Well done, LRS 👏 and fair play.

[@seanofarrell8896]

I agree I feel French clubs will dominate the champions cup until something is shorted.

[@marccouasnon6973]

Au delà de toutes considérations, ce match à été d'un intensité, digne des grands d'Europe. Et moi en tant que Rochelais , j'ai adoré le premier essai, qui est le fruit d'une très grande préparation tactique, j'espère que La rochelle travaillera cette combinaison et s'en servira une autre fois ...contre le ...Leinster ! Désolé ne le prenez pas mal c'est de l'humour, rien de méchant.

[@fabricegrard1001]

Bien dit! En plus, sexton qui insulte ROG dans le couloir ....nul

[@jaimepaslesendives353]

Souviens toi,Vito a marqué le même contre oyo en 2017 à l'angle port neuf et Jackson .

[@marccouasnon6973]

@@jaimepaslesendives353 j'étais pas encore né🤣

[@hellohell77]

Its crazy with Rugby they have to change up selections so much. They lost to 10th place Montpellier the week prior by 11 and next week they beat Leinster, in Dublin, after being down 17-0 to win a 2nd straight European title. Its amazing

[@ciaran3773]

How did Leinster let their grip on the game slip? Simple (spoiler: it had nothing to do with the ref): James Ryan went off injured, Tadgh Furlong went off (to judge by Leinster's scrum problems, he was not fully fit) and in their absence Leinster lacked leaders on the field. They weren't able to turn it around because they lacked someone to marshall then around the field. (Ryan btw, apart from a fit Sexton, is now the key player in the Irish setup, THE player we can't afford to lose.) Which I'm afraid reopens the case for the prosecution against Ross Byrne: he was the guy who needed to take control because that team, and Ireland, are structured around the leadership at 10. This is bad news for Leinster and Ireland, if Sexton doesn't come back for the WC. The future of the 10 jersey is probably not the Rosser but Crowley (despite question marks) and, down the line, Prendergast. Leinster need to bring Prendergast on ASAP, hopefully without breaking him, since neither of the Byrne brothers looks good enough and Carty is not even in the conversation any more (Billy of Ulster should never even have been in the conversation).

[@utuber2]

Agreed. Once they lost Ryan, they looked a shell of their former selves. Too many people focusing on the decision whether to kick or drop goal at the end.

[@niallhiggins2342]

Ryan is not that important. They were just tired, it happens.

[@BobH-eh8wu]

Yeah he really did need to grab that moment by the scruff of the neck. I suppose it’s easy to say in hindsight when it looked like they might get a try but we lost the final as a result of not passing the ball. And that’s not to say he would have scored either, especially when you consider he didn’t wanna go for it in the first place. But it just leaves you feeling frustrated because it felt like he’d knock that over in his sleep.

[@hemariage4825]

28'30. "I didn't think La Rochelle could sustain the pressure. I felt they needed a really good start because chasing Leinster would be an impossible task." This quote sums up the view of Leinster followers before the game and reveals how little the team has learned from their 2 previous encounters with La Rochelle. LR never surrenders. Leinster can play the most brilliant attacking rugby and the first quarter was simply mind blowing. But at the same time, they are not as used to defend under adverse conditions and sustain long periods of pressure as La Rochelle is. When forced to defend for a long time because of kicking mistakes or opponents' pressure, they fight bravely but really struggle to get their energy levels and composure back afterwards. This is essentially why they went for the try in the last 8min instead of looking for 3 pts. They didn't fail to set up a drop goal, they didn't even consider it (Byrne never called for it or positioned himself for a shot at goal). The finish felt like ABs vs Ffance in 2007 the quarter final.

[@damianovezzosi]

Inaccurate in few points. Second half defence from Leinster was amazing, considering the pressure LR put on them. They conceded just one try. You also didn't listen to O'Gara's press conference at the end of the game: he said his team was on the point of collapsing in the first half. In the end we are talking about 1 point difference with 2 conversions on the post.

[@hemariage4825]

@@damianovezzosi Second half defense from Leinster conceded several penalties, did not manage to exit properly of its own 22 for 10 minutes and eventually conceded a try. They defended brave and ferociously but I don't think they would consider it amazing. ROG explained that he didn't know how his players found the energy to come back into and that he was surprised himself. Yet, Aldritt gave a brief interview a half time on French tv explaining with a surprising composure that they expected Leinster to score many points early and that they would stick to their game plan even if they were 20 pts down after 20min which is what happened.

[@hemariage4825]

I think Leinster did miss Sexton sorely though because he would have kept his cold blood under pressure and likely have kicked the long penalty or the drop goal to win the game.

[@worldchampions4379]

Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory

[@101MIGHTYJOE]

I was a neutral fan who had the privilege to be at the game. If i was a leinster fan, i would be asking why didnt byrne go for the drop goal as it was perfectly set up for a right footed kicker (i.e. ruck formed on left side of the post. Also why did leinster not change their lineout tactics when keeping everyone on the ground was clearly not working and was giving la rochelle massive momentum

[@larrymartyn2019]

Drop goal ??????? We are not getting past the quarter final again in the world Cup without Johnny Sexton!

[@101MIGHTYJOE]

@Larry Martyn having an outhalf who doesn't have the self belief in themselves in the crunch moment gives me no confidence if/when sexton is injured/not playing in the world cup.

[@julesrichard7758]

French perspective here. Two remarks here : 1. I can't help but think that La Rochelle exposed Leinster's self-exaltation (perhaps extending to Irish rugby in general ? Grand Slam win probably fueled this confidence). I sensed a strong sense of entitlement from them after the victory over Toulouse. La Rochelle definitely took advantage of being overlooked. Aldritt post-match conference demonstrates it. Always been a motivating factor for them, even in the top 14. 2. Leinster is undoubtedly the most dominant and precise machine in world rugby. First ten minutes, astonishing set plays. However, like any high precision machine, they struggled to adapt when faced with adversity and new challenges. You're right to talk about emotional intelligence. I believe this is an area where Irish rugby as a whole can improve: decision making in unexpected scenarios. France is one step ahead on this matter.

[@christiaantheron9080]

You are conflating the work of the Leinster coaching group with the Ireland coaching group. Same players but very different coaching philosophy.

[@marcdaniels9079]

Very incisive comment.

[@heinrichswanepoel6566]

I'm sorry but if you don't win trophies you are not the best club . La Rochelle is the best and this coming from a south African. You are judge on trophies. You can win all the pool games you like but if you lose the final you are not the champions .

[@jakem834]

“Leinster are the most dominant and precise machine in world rugby” That would be the Crusaders. Leinster haven’t dominated anything recently and have won just one title in the last 10 years.

[@christiaantheron9080]

@@heinrichswanepoel6566 La Rochelle have been the most successful club side for the past three years at least. However this loss will serve Andy Farrell well going into the World Cup. It has shown that the "Garryowen" is no longer useful against teams with a counterattack, especially French teams.

[@MrLurrugne]

Incredible La Rochelle !!!

[@davidpeters3857]

During any match,teams make mistakes,two great teams,a terrific match,both teams gave everything……losing James Ryan was the difference in my humble opinion

[@tonymurphy9795]

Couldn't believe that they didn't attempt a drop goal at the end. Unbelievable.

[@pierren___]

Whats that ?

[@jonathanarmasmcglinn1747]

They had a try but for that ridiculous clear out, there was zero doubt in their minds

[@jaimepaslesendives353]

Quel équipe, ils ont battu l'équipe d'Irlande à un élément prés !! VDF passe le plus clair de son temps à tricher sous les yeux de l'arbitre et à provoquer ses adversaires , en avant d'un métré sur la dernière passe du troisième essai Irlandais ! Il ne pouvait en être autrement quand à la conclusion. Le mental était Rochelais, mes joueurs ont franchi un cap grâce à O'Gara et son staff. 23 joueurs mais en réalité + de 40 qui ont participé à l'aventure ne les oublions pas !! Allez les jaunes et noirs !! Il y a encore qlq chose d'énorme à aller chercher. Ils le savent, et ne se sont pas mis chiffon ce week end, quelque chose a changer dans la citée belle et rebelle. LA GAGNE semble s'inscrire dans nos gènes ,chose que j'attendais depuis presque 60 ans . Ancien joueur de 7 à 18 ans ,je fais pipi jaune et noir depuis toujours et à jamais! Allez les Jaunes et noirs !!

[@sbok9481]

🤣🤣👍👍👍👍👍 Vive La France 👏👏👏

[@BMC-hl2uh]

I'm afraid Ross Byrne displayed his significant shortcomings at the highest levels of rugby.

[@niallhogan4174]

If Crowley puts in another big performance in Urc final, Ross could find himself further down the pecking order.

[@BMC-hl2uh]

@GAM Boy Guy Agree fully. His timing of the passes to set up the tries versus Glasgow plus the drop goal versus Leinster shows he has the composure, class and courage for the big games.

[@barryclarke8101]

Dont understand whats his face on the right sniggering at an irish team being beaten in a euro final...a supporter here that supports ireland first and foremost and all the provinces...gutted for leinster and our WC players...hoping munster can bring back some silverware from SA.

[@raydenwins1071]

Where are all those clowns on here who were saying ROG was living off Jono Gibbes reputation? Have not heard from that coach since he left La Rochelle....

[@brianmurray6287]

The leinster subs offered very little

[@thabomazwayi4422]

Leinster are a great team but all other teams can improve. The one thing that they need to do is play their best team, especially thw forwards against the SA URC teams. The forwdards didn't have the endurance and depth when it mattered. Not having enough games against big teams and allowing other players meqnt they were undercooked. Running rugby is beautiful when things are going your way....plan B and being quickly adaptable is essential to winning big games or finals. I strongly believe that they can learn more about winning from the french teams and the Springbok way.... Great teams produced a Fantastic final....from a SAFFA 😊😊😊

[@amandamurray2346]

There was no leadership on the pitch. Bad decisions. This has hurt the psyche of the fans and players.

[@joshsmith3598]

When a team faces pressure that often happens, it isn't always a lack of leadership. Leadership can't prevent Lowe and Gibson Park poor kicks. They happen when the gravity of those kicks becomes bigger and players feel that pinch. ROG clearly stated one of LR's intent was for Leinster to feel the weight of expectations and pressure. It obviously worked.

[@amandamurray2346]

@@joshsmith3598 there was still a lack of leadership. No single player took the team and gave them clear direction. Leinster were capable of winning even with bad kicks. They looked like the leinster of old in the 2nd half.

[@heinrichswanepoel6566]

One positive is , rather get exposed now , than in a quater final in the world cup . See your weekness now than later , but ierland needs to know that wc rugby is physical. Not expansive

[@christiaantheron9080]

Nope. Ireland do not have the depth to play physical rugby. They are attempting to play NZ rugby because of the lack of depth.

[@RazorMouth]

​@@christiaantheron9080 attempting to play NZ rugby? 😂 We're the slam champions and NZ series winners. Leinster is not the Irish setup, totally different coaching.

[@tonymurphy9795]

@@christiaantheron9080 Correct, imo.

[@michaeloconnor9809]

They would not back Byrne to convert that penalty. Any score wins the game. As Quinlan said Byrne should have indicated he wanted to go for the posts.

[@brendanpayne115]

Ireland could never play the way La Rochelle play. We don't have those physical monsters. I would prefer to imagine Stuart Lancaster as a future Ireland coach....However RoG is a really smart coach so maybe he would cut his cloth to match...

[@christiaantheron9080]

What about his record with England and Leinster would impress that Lancaster would be a successful Ireland coach?

[@BobH-eh8wu]

Exactly. No one is saying this. It’s a different story when you can field elephants.

[@mikecaseyoshea3594]

Why didn't Byrne take a drop goal? I thought I saw him drop into the pocket , but JGP kept moving it around the corner. Byrne just needed to call it and JGP to facilitate the room with those carries, to create a shot. In a similar situation in the WC he better pull the trigger!

[@Etienne8841]

As a South African I was so so so Happy wow.. La Rochelle I cheers so hard for them amazing... Leinster fans will learn to be humble now 🎉

[@IntrogamerX]

That statement makes no sense at all

[@Etienne8841]

@@IntrogamerX Which part I would love to Clarify

[@tonymurphy9795]

Bad day for rugby. LR won it by size and brute force. Not good at all.

[@DaSkonk]

South African fans bleating about how other team's fans need to be humble - heard it all now. 😆😆 Un-self aware much?

[@AttackTheGasStation1]

​@@Etienne8841 À la tienne, Etienne !!! 🍻🍺🍺

[@worldchampions4379]

Leinster’s brand of “touch rugby” has been found out…rugby is a full contact sport & when you faced with a physical side who relish contact against a side who are to scared to ruffle their hair styles, after 80 minutes you there for the taking

[@notenoughstones3873]

It now makes the decision to rest players against Munster even more silly. Leinster looked undercooked in 2nd half - is it because their top players have been rested almost too much and haven’t been battle hardened? Sure La Rochelle rested their players the week before as well but for the most part, their big players play week in week out during top 14. Either way, some key Irish players looked very fragile when the pressure was on so must be a bit of concern for the WC. Never mind the fact that those Irish players will have no clue what it feels like to play 4 hard games in a row where as NZ and SA both have that experience and French players (through Top 14). Huge opportunity missed there to build some mettle for both Leinster and Ireland.

[@joshsmith3598]

This argument is desperately one sided. The shouldn't have rested players angle ignores what happened last year. La Rochelle was forced to play their top players in TOP 14 games leading up to the final? As a consequence they lost Kerr Barlow and Victor Vito. La Rochelle rested players prior to this final and as a consequence did not suffer any key injuries in lead up to the game. I don't buy the "battle hardened" rubbish. Sexton and many Leinster players barely played just prior to the 6Ns and won a GS.

[@sbok9481]

​​@@joshsmith3598 Well, if you don't buy those "rubbish" then every Leinster team is Leinster. Don't come up with your bull crap about you only played your "C" team in league matches. Bulls Crushed Leinster 72-12 or something. Leinster are overrated. Teams give them too much respect. This final was just another proof that Leinster can't win finals in the URC or Heineken cup. They are only favourites to win league matches. The didn't know that you build up to the finals. You also pace your players. I hope you have the same tactics during the World Cup 😂 You going home before the quarter finals start.😅

[@notenoughstones3873]

@@joshsmith3598 not sure if you remember but La Rochelle won last year by coming back against Leinster in the final and did so by finishing stronger than Leinster. So even with those injuries, they appeared to be more battle hardened last year as well. They were better able to dig deep because they have the experience of doing it before. Also the 6 nations schedule doesn’t require players to compete for 3-4 weeks straight which seems to suit Ireland but doesn’t suit knock out rugby which is played continuously over a few weeks. It doesn’t provide adequate preparation or replicate the conditions they will have to overcome at the WC. They had the perfect chance to replicate that in the last month but didn’t take it so now Farrell won’t know which players actually have the mettle. At least we know some of the Munster guys can do it as they have played 4 tough away games in a row to qualify and then get to the final so you could safely say that POM etc can perform week in and week out and under pressure. Can’t say the same for the Leinster players as they haven’t been put through that experience. For one thing, Leinster could start sending full strength teams to SA so that their players can be tested more regularly against more physical opponents. Might have helped them adapt better to a physical La Rochelle🤷‍♂️

[@raydenwins1071]

James Lowe looked like he had not played in a long time. His left boot is usually a great exit weapon and it was horrendous on Sat. We will learn a lot from this from an Irish perspective

[@J-H.Faure4275]

Leinster has been defeated because mentally they were not ready. And they have made a crucial mistake : a lack of humility. Stade rochelais deserved this victory because they have respected Leinster and they knew they will have to fight during 80 minutes to win. We have been stronger mentally. I wish you the best for the future and I have no doubt you will come back stronger.

[@J-H.Faure4275]

@@purplecrown505 believe me, we really enjoy this victory…and will always respect other teams

[@raydenwins1071]

ROG has built an unreal culture down there. Reflected in the connection with the local population and also in the players mentality to come back and win away from home. I can imagine that even if they lost, the same crowds would have turned out to welcome their team home.

[@dashingeduardosuarez]

Cullen needs to go as Leinster coach. His entire career, nobody has pegged him as a potential Irish coach, some day in the future. Yet ROG is being talked about as a future Irish coach after three years with La Roch. Cullen has been at Leinster for ten years! One trophy in ten years of finals and semi finals should mean he gets sacked.....today. He's fcking useless, except at making excuses.

[@andrewmakin8151]

it’s great to listen to this love it so just a tiny little thing and no disrespect … but could alan give a little pause for some other voices, more of a discussion, more probing than defining?

[@yoshpl3860]

ce qui est incroyable c est que leinster a craquer mentalement et physiquement

[@wot4922]

You're right. LR looked look a group of tough, rough, physical men and Leinster looked like a group of well groomed men in peak physical condition but without the physicality.

[@johankotze3718]

I think the URC will get more interesting from next year.The South African teams have just had a 30% budget increase and can sign 4 South African players as marquee players not within theat cap.Time to bring the big boys home.

[@stevenbissett]

Y'all rather subdued in the studio. Bloody good job. There's only one Irishman over the moon - ROG. Ha, ha.

[@michaelvdunne]

When Ross Byrne was blocked down early in 2nd half it seemed to scramble his head.

[@arlesdufour]

Reasons why leinster lost it on 2nd hald: Defending tackling defending defending is ..... exhausting !

[@iamnutty8471]

title is wring its the 3rd defeat in row!

[@jessika7979]

There was mistakes from Leinster of course, but there was equally bad mistakes from LAR. The referee was bad to both of us to the point it was even and we both had great moments. The difference for me? Management. As much as I hate to say it, because I hate ROG, but the decisions the management team made were bizzar! Taking off Conan to put on Ryan Baird in the back row even though Ross Malony is clearly struggling? Madness. Taking off Dan Sheehan for ten minutes that is going to make 0 difference, when he is someone who can 1) throw a ball straight 2) scrum and 3) score tries - to replace him with someone who can't do any of them three? Madness. Finally, the drop goal. I truly believe that was instilled into them to not go for the drop goal. It's the only way I can make sense of it truly.

[@michaelfitzpatrick9556]

Very accurate summary of it all. Taking off the only players playing well and leading after already losing furlong and Ryan ... starting lowe when clearly he wasn't match fit ...why couldn't been played against Munster to get minutes into him before the biggest game of season (if he wasn't right why wasn't larmour played)

[@Trajan2401]

The ref favored Leinster

[@seanterry8832]

Good stuff ... Leinster had their chances towards the end - which didn't look possible when down to 14 and after 30+ mins under siege. The choices they made (a try, not a penalty attempt ... or a drop goal) didn't work out... wonder what RO'G (the player) might have done? I thought they were opting for the penalty but the LR yellow probably changed their outlook. All in all, a brilliant match and no shame in losing ... and not an easy loss to take, either. Losing Ryan exposed an inexperienced second-row bench quite early and while LR were phenomenal in the 2nd half, all credit to the Irish defence for sticking to their task.

[@joewhelan5018]

A lot made about the 17 points up . .it's still only 2 goals. It was crying out for a drop goal

[@Alex-mj5dv]

Let’s hope that sort of bottling isn’t recreated at the World Cup too.. a perennial issue for Irish rugby. England had a very similar run up in 2002-2003, and did it in the SH. Ireland have to convert their recent form and dominance and this Leinster lack of mental fortitude can’t be allowed to bleed into the national side in a World Cup year where it is effectively Ireland’s best shot.

[@jadenphilander8799]

You man couldn't beat a club team, England had previouses before 2003. They are least made it past a quarter final.

[@Trajan2401]

It's an omen Ireland will choke at the world cup too

[@RazorMouth]

Leinster is not Ireland, there is no way the Irish coaches would have used those tactics Leinster used.

[@jadenphilander8799]

@@RazorMouth Leinster and Ireland play exactly the same.

[@RazorMouth]

@@jadenphilander8799 LOL. No way would Ireland spend 40 minutes kicking the ball back to their opposition. Ireland would have kept running the ball as they usually do. Not sure what game you were watching.

[@raydenwins1071]

For anyone accusing La Rochelle of buying a trophy, read the below and educate yourselves: Wardi: Béziers, ProD2 2019 - Bourgarit: Auch, Fédérale 1 (3rd division) 2017 3 caps with France U20 Atonio: Counties Manauku, amateur 2014 spotted during a rugby 10s tournament, represented Samoa U20 Sazy: Montauban, ProD2 2010 - Skelton: Saracens, Gal. Premiership 2020 a few Wallabies caps, had just won the HC Boudehent: La Rochelle academy - - Botia: Amateur level 2014 captain of Fiji 7s at the time Alldritt: Auch, Fédérale 1 2017 - Kerr-Barlow: Chiefs 2017 world cup winning AB Hastoy: Section Paloise, TOP14 2022 2 caps with France Rhule: Grenoble, ProD2 2020 was heavily criticized in SA as a winger Danty: Stade Français, TOP14 2021 had freshly acquired an international status Seuteni: Bordeaux, TOP14 2022 Samoan international Leyds: Stormers 2020 7 for the Springboks in 2017, just 1 in 2019 Dulin: Racing 92, TOP14 2020 had then lost his international status since 2017 Lespiaucq: Section Paloise, TOP14 2022 - Sclavi: Jaguares 2021 was close to the Pumas, 1st cap in 2022 Colombe: Racing 92, TOP14 2022 9 caps with France U20 Lavault: La Rochelle academy Bourdeau: Soyaux-Angoulême, ProD2 2018 - Dillane: Connacht, URC 2022 19 caps with Ireland, wasn't considered seriously in 2022 Berjon: La Rochelle academy Favre: La Rochelle academy La Rochelle and ROG are playing moneyball, they have recruited lads that were amatuer or pro D2 players, and developed them into world class talent as well as having an academy that is starting to bear fruit with 4/5 of the usual starting line up being made up of academy products. From the final 4 academy players, 4 guys from ProD2, 2 from Fed 1 which is semi pro at best (and they developed one of these players into the french captain), One Amatuer player from Counties Manaku and one Amatuer fijian 7s player (one of these is a French international, the other one of the best 7s in the world right now). Plucking literal Amateurs and turning them into French internationals, amazing feat.

[@kevinwillis6707]

Great point

[@Cora342]

Leinster repeatedly kicks the ball away in the second half handing the initiative to La Rochelle Litterly inviting then into the game Munster wound down the clock on their second win. I feel sorry for Leinster but no cigar lads.

[@BobH-eh8wu]

Cheers man glad someone that isn’t from Leinster actually felt something for us when we lost that. We should all be supporting each other and not these french teams.

[@bigg5582]

When ireland came under the pump against the bigger teams they had an o'mahoney or OBeirne turnover who are Munster to change the momentum

[@Natedawg38]

Ireland ain't Ireland without pete

[@williamwalker3837]

@@Natedawg38 I total agree. What’s more Munster have not been Munster without RoG! I hope Saturday will change that

[@raydenwins1071]

Finaly Bealham is better than Furlong currently.

[@drdecco1]

Been saying for a while but bring Munster’s Coombs into the squad - that’s the type of dog on LR try line that was needed in the endgame

[@hiphophappeningkenny2371]

Ross maloney is 103kg, will Skelton is 140kg. Furlong is 125kg and Atonio is 145kg. Healy is 117kg and Sclavi is 144kg. Over 80 minutes that will take a toll

[@user-kz4il6xc1c]

If you think Ross molony is 103 then you need to go back to school lol

[@hiphophappeningkenny2371]

@D look it up 103 on the ultimate rugby app, I was shoked

[@Colin_Power]

I think leinster tried to maintain possession in the 22 and run down the clock finally getting over the line just as LAR did to them in marseille. The difference is they werent able to do it. After the fact it looks silly when youve turned down 2 shots at goal. Considering how good LAR are at defending their own line it was indeed foolish to assume they will eventually get over the line. a drop goal attempt would surely have led to a goal line drop out so they would have had the opportunity to go for line regardless. To be honest you have to question the outhalfs decision making. Ireland will surely end up in a similar stage at the world cup and decision making will make the difference. Hopefully byrne and co will learn from it

[@Eire320]

Byrne didnt have the confidence to take 3pts at the end...he had missed 2 conversions earlier...French side didnt miss their kicks hense they prevailed

[@FredericDOUEIL]

Leinster are playing like the England team of 10 years ago. Too much effort in the 1st half and then no gas at all for the 2nd, especially against aggressive and powerful teams like La Rochelle.

[@seanterry8832]

something in that all right!

[@RazorMouth]

Ireland play like that too and it works for them. The shocking kicking lost the game for us. Why on earth were they constantly kicking back to LR in the 2nd half.

[@alanfinn77]

Does Ger ever allow someone to get a full sentence out ? Very annoying kept interrupting Quinlan!

[@enemysokfeeney3630]

Ger never stops interrupting

[@kieranoconnor4334]

That was a Munster style performance at their best

[@BobH-eh8wu]

Nah Munster don’t have elephants man they have normal sized humans so I don’t think so

[@kieranoconnor4334]

@@BobH-eh8wu I said style....not content

[@heinrichswanepoel6566]

Going to watch this otb episode now , hope alan does not bring up ref decisions as he always bring some questions over some decisions. Let's see if the irish practice what they preach not like Saxton pointing fingers at referees and then his threats and disrespect is seen as just passion but other coaches don't get that same judgment

[@gerardodwyer5908]

La Rochelle has a population of 75,000 people. It's the 65th biggest city in France. By contrast, Limerick, the so-called hub of Munster rugby, has a population of 60,000. BTW, how lucky is Quinlan to go to France and find "people who speak English". His five years of Secondary school level French obviously doesn't travel well. Fair flucks to RO'G who spun those same five years in to a remarkable journey and story.

[@jamesflanagan7446]

Will Ultan Dillane be called up for world cup or do we stick with the Leinster names

[@raydenwins1071]

Quietly gone about his business very well over there. Think it was always a mistake playing him in the second row, always felt Ultan was best playing that 6 role and out in the wide fringes. His breakthrough season in 2016 he was one of the great ball carriers. He has worked on his lineouts down in France, I think D Ryan is having a very positive impact on him.

[@heyhey5712]

Byrne bottled it. Should've taken the kick from the 10 meter line, kicked to the corner but barely made the 22. Plenty of opportunities to kick a drop goal but never looked like taking it on. Back to back final defeats will live long.

[@gerardbenson1844]

Is Shane "Spacer " Hannon away on NASA duty?

[@fredericksandelia9648]

Interesting analysis. So you don't seem to have noticed how bad (or was it deliberate ?) was the referee, expecially in the second half, when he ignored so many Leinster infringements in the rucks and scrums. We clearly did not see the same game. In the end, we don't care because it ended well for us. But still, we saw it. And many neutrals saw it too. Quite embarrassing for Leinster actually, to have both home and refereeing advantage and still being beaten. We all love the Irish and it's not going to change, but come on.

[@BobH-eh8wu]

You have a budget bigger than anyone else in Europe and the biggest players in the history of the competition shut up. Talking about advantages your players are like elephants.

[@user-el8lq9su1b]

Ringrose at fault for both first half tries

[@raydenwins1071]

Bounced off danty like a baby. Henshaw at 13 with AKi at 12 is required against the bigger teams for Ireland.

[@user-el8lq9su1b]

@@raydenwins1071 yeah Leinster would’ve won with Ngatai and henshaw in midfield but nobody’s saying it

[@user-kz4il6xc1c]

@@raydenwins1071lol

[@Camcolito]

Leinster's problem was they scored too many tries at the start of the game. They weren't playing Cup Rugby (tm). If they had kicked penalties and droppies instead of those tries, they would have won.

[@michaelvdunne]

Has Will Skelton ever been beaten by Leinster?

[@riverwolf654]

How Leinster didnt set up the drop goal is beyond stupid and on that alone they deserved to loose

[@dashingeduardosuarez]

Yep. A fcking european trophy gifted into your hands, all you had to do was pop it over the bar. Like what happened to you last game against Munster. Zero awareness and inability to maintain any poise. Thick, hot-blooded Irish strike again.

[@mikecaseyoshea3594]

Agree 100% Ross Byrne didn't have the courage to call it. JGP could have made the room for him to have a shot. That there is one key difference between he and Sexton. We cannot afford to be in a similar situation in the WC and Byrne not to call it. He would have to call it a few phases out and maybe it was lack of forsight and/or lack of courage...

[@riverwolf654]

@@mikecaseyoshea3594 Agreed, they simply must have that tool in their bag for situations like that. World cups have been won that way. They left it behind they even regarding how outmatched they were in the second half, it was still a huge opportunity missed.

[@wot4922]

Listen at the end of the day most teams would not be a bit disappointed that Leinster lost....end of story.

[@the_twowheel_turtle934]

Leinster arrogance backfired. What a performance from La Rochelle!

[@raydenwins1071]

James Tracy and his stupid interviews really backfired.

[@jackdeegan3617]

Leinster arrogance?.

[@the_twowheel_turtle934]

@@jackdeegan3617 yes you’re correct

[@jackdeegan3617]

@@the_twowheel_turtle934 See the question mark at the end, that means that it was a question. Duh!

[@the_twowheel_turtle934]

@@jackdeegan3617 lmfao arrogance again

[@IntrogamerX]

Lack of leadership not to spot the opportunity to drop goal it at the end

[@evankeogh5616]

We need Etzebeth 😂

[@gerrycallaghan5519]

Why dont ye buy Will Skelton . Seems like am easy fix

[@user-kz4il6xc1c]

Leinster prefer to grow players, sometimes it brings trophies others it doesn’t. But the system works. Leinster’s time will come

[@notthisprickagain8499]

Why would Skelton leave? 🤣

[@williamwalker3837]

Different coach!!! Different set of instructions.

[@jeremielambin8690]

Peyper did help though: not giving penalties for the last scrums battered by the Rochelle then ignoring side plunged into the rucks...

[@alangorman3856]

So Leinster blow two final in a week maybe there not as great as the hype! Only if there winning there world class but ask questions sadly lacking 🤔

[@martinfarrelly5196]

All Fairness leinster are mostly home grown. Punching well above their weight against teams with huge budgets and players from all over the world

[@Trajan2401]

You aren't a great side when you cant win trophies La Rochelle are what you call great they have the trophy

[@Trajan2401]

​@@martinfarrelly5196 La Rochelle is smaller than Leinster

[@RazorMouth]

​@@Trajan2401 Troll much?

[@galatzy01]

@@martinfarrelly5196 The idea of Leinster being the small club with a small budget punching above its weight is now, with all due respect, an old tired excuse. Is it really that hard to find decent young players to integrate in an academy in the most populous and richest province of Ireland and with in the vicinity of Dublin the like of St. Michaels, Blackrock or the UCD ? This question doesn't in any way discredit what Leinster have built over the years, it is well run organisation from top to bottom, it made the best from what they had and what was at their disposition close to them. Actually I believe a lot of other European clubs should have a closer look at them and try to emulate what they have built. But you need proper money to be able to keep those players, having up to 12 or 13 players of this great Ireland squad or players from all over the world in the like of Alaalatoa, Jenkins and Ngatai doesn't come free of charge, same with the coaching staff, Stuart Lancaster, Robin McBryde and Andrew Goodman aren't volunteers for Leinster, nor is Leo Cullen. I do wonder why some fans all become shy in front of the fact that the club they support is one of the three current big guns of Europe with La Rochelle and Toulouse. To sum up the thing, Leinster is a big organization with a big payroll, yes partly paid by the IRFU central contracts' scheme, but still a big payroll, and from my point of view, this is an achievement worth of recognition, not something to hide under a carpet.

[@michaelmurphy1306]

Ala’alatoa will get a hefty ban too

[@RazorMouth]

Good, he cost us the game.

[@dashingeduardosuarez]

@@RazorMouth Game was lost at that point. The second we refused the peno, it was curtains.

[@RazorMouth]

@@dashingeduardosuarez no it wasn't, we had ball deep in their 22.

[@patrickmoloney6001]

After all said and done lenster could and should have won the game laroshell think you were very lucky to win the game

[@dashingeduardosuarez]

pffffffff!!!! Lucky?!!! They fought back against a team who were happy to sit back on their arses. Luck had nothing to do with it; it's mentality. Look at Leo Cullen after the game, like he couldn't care less. Tadgh Furlong saying 'ah sure, three finals in three years. T'is spilled milk at this stage'. He literally said that while he was trying to get his breath! The arrogance and the lacklustre attitude of Leinster was atrocious and they absolutely deserved to lose another final, in ten years of finals and semi finals.

[@philippedevine5124]

Leinster lost because of mental weakness. La Rochelle deserved the win, not Leinster.

[@raydenwins1071]

"techincally he'S correct" you can't have your hands on the ground when going for the turnover. It's not an objective thing, it's illegal!

[@alainbrochet5610]

Never underestimate frogs

[@mollyoko]

alan 'state the obvious in a very long-winded manner' quinlan.

[@fabiannieuwenhuys823]

Why the funeral boys?

[@kevinwillis6707]

It's off the ball, long post mortems when an Irish team lose is par for the course

[@mattconnolly6341]

A Toulon paid for win imo. We have 3.5 imports. Nobody talks about La Rochelle’s money spent for a small area. ‘Paid for’ success.

[@marcdaniels9079]

Salty !!!

[@raydenwins1071]

Ngatai, Lowe, JGP, Alatola, Jenkins, Henshaw robbed from Connacht. Give it a rest. Leinster have more money than most, a more favourable schedule, home advantage for a European final and still cant get over the line. Not to mention a huge catchment area with multiple privately funded academies. Your dig about the size of La Rochelle is not the gotcha you think it is.

[@mattconnolly6341]

@@marcdaniels9079 Very. Struggling.

[@mattconnolly6341]

@@raydenwins1071 Don’t disagree with any of that.

[@Nieljoyceniel]

@@raydenwins1071 you can 5 out 60. No where near the level of La Rochelle

[@Bradball1970]

Really bad attitude from that Munster clown on the right, who had nothing to contribute to the discussion, other than the satisfaction of seeing a fellow Irish province lose a Final to a French team. Leinster fans always supported Munster during their glory days. Very poor show that jealousy prevents Munster fans reciprocating. Also highlights why O'Gara should never be Ireland head coach.

[@errisgloshfan]

Understandable that Quinlan wants to skip over it but here in the other three Provinces, who see Leinster getting preferential treatment and more resources every season, there was a very noticeable lack of disappointment at the result.

[@slugger7520]

Preferential treatment - please explain?

[@slugger7520]

​@Leonardo Da Vinci Fair play- We'll all be shouting for Munster next Saturday- Come on Ireland !!!

[@errisgloshfan]

I can only tell you what I’ve seen and heard. There’s a reluctance in Rugby circles to say anything but in the general sports supporting public there’s little or no disappointment. That might be that a provincial victory is not seen as a general Irish sports achievement that people get excited about.

[@slugger7520]

@@errisgloshfan That maybe- which is sad but you haven't explained "preferential treatment ' We are ordinary folk who get great pleasure supporting Leinster as much as we can ' why are we branded as arrogant ? We socialize with other teams supporters and have great craic together. Why is there this negativity towards Leinster?

[@user-fw3hp7bb6d]

​@@errisgloshfan so you can't give one example of how Leinster receive preferential treatment 😂

[@gerardbenson1844]

Fella on the right was definitely on the coke. Fidgeting, staring at camera and rubs nose repeatedly

[@romainviry3185]

So glad La Rochelle will finally get the well deserved credit after feeling disrespected. Irish pundits were way too confident on Leinster winning it. Doesn't work like that. A final is a final, little things happen and you can count on your previous games success and data to give you relevant confidence. VdF close to a non factor, Ross Byrne and Keehan same. Gibbson and Lowe detrimental to the team... there you go, you end up way below what you expect Leinster's level to be.

[@ayabaki]

RWC is irrelevant as La Rochelle unlike Leinster has players from many different countries.

[@joshsmith3598]

EE is every bit the Lock Spencer is and is a better all around player. Bok's front row starters and back ups are as good if not better than La Rochelle. Back row is at least on a par. If you don't think Bok's coaches watched this game and came away seeing weaknesses they can exploit? I have a bridge to sell you. In the game between Ireland and Boks in autumn? Boks came within 3 points of winning despite missing 6-7 key starters to include not having a recognised goal kicker. Ireland are going to get a massive test v the Boks. I would be shocked if SA doesn't target Andrew Porter at the scrum and to a lesser extent Furlong. Both have looked extremely vulnerable and especially Porter. I also would be shocked if SA don't concentrate on slowing down Ireland's ruck speed. They actually did a fair bit in Autumn test and for long periods it worked.

[@Trajan2401]

Not irrelevant still plenty of French players if you're irish I would be worried because Leinster is basically Ireland

[@raydenwins1071]

Ireland has a fair amount of players from different countries too fella. Same with Leinster (Ngatai, Lowe, JGP, Alatola, Jenkins). Must be nice to be able to poach Connachts best player and also recruit an All Black to sit on the bench for him.

[@Trajan2401]

That shut the Leinster fans up 😂 the choke will continue for irish fans at the world cup

[@IntrogamerX]

Oh right and who are you routing for in the world cup big man?

[@Nieljoyceniel]

@@IntrogamerX the guy looks like he sets alarms off when he walks past schools, ignore him

[@RazorMouth]

​@@Nieljoyceniel 😂

[@michaelshanahan4042]

More likely to make them a better side the the bitter disappointment will help that 😊

[@TropicalJungleIreland]

Leinster are still developing and playing players from their own academy. Rochelle dont. Rochelle still have huge budget to cherry pick players. Leinster dont. Leinster produce players and are a benefit for the Irish team, Rochelle are not a benefit for french rugby. Its a manufactured team out of money and SH players. Send O'Gara to Connaught or Ulster with their buget and see what he can do. Judge him then. Cullen is leagues ahead of O'Gara.

[@laurentcot1828]

Leinster is not a club but a Province ....what about a Province with la Rochelle et Stade Toulousain to face your genious ...? But liste if all, what if fre'ch players would play 13 games a year liké Leinster stars .... ? French players just play mich more amount of games each year .....I almost Nevers see this reminded .....so what if ...?

[@laurentcot1828]

Hilarious comment ! Leinster is 'just' almost the whole Irish team ..ils this not enough to beat a club team ...? The current World number one international team ....and your argue about lack of ressources to be competitive ? Once again ....play the same number of matches a year ....than thé opposite sides ....and then compare .....(Stade Toulousain players 5 stars have bien reached in addition to Top 14 .... Whic is much longer and than Leinster Championship ....Leinster almost play for the only Champions League )

[@lebourse]

What are you talking about? There are litteraly 10 players who come from the academy in the current team of La Rochelle who play regularly and 13 youngs players from the academy who train wtih the first team. And I talk about french players not some south africans with an irish grand mother.

[@TropicalJungleIreland]

@@lebourse oooooolalaaaaa

[@TropicalJungleIreland]

On the day Rochelle played a gr8 2nd half, Leinster all 1st half. I expected same from Leinster in 2nd half but they collapsed unfortunately. There's a big problem with the provincial teams in Ireland in that they can't play power game like the fatties in Rochelle team play. Same when they lost other big finals. Rochelle are not a rugby club like Leinster, they are purely a business venture. Money money money.