First Will Smith slapping Chris Rock, now this…
Ronan O’Gara would have no issue with chawing away and sharing an opinion or two, but he took umbrage to getting a swipe aimed at him from Christophe Urios.
Over the next three weekends, Bordeaux-Beglès are facing off against La Rochelle. Part 1 of this three-course special was served up in the Top 14, tonight, and it was extra spicy.
The French sides were locked in league action, ahead of their two-legged Champions Cup dates, later this month, and tension was brimming from the get-go.
While La Rochelle, losing finalists in the league and Europe last season, scored tries through Raymond Rhule and France centre Jonathan Danty, they still trailed 12-10 at the break. Maxime Lucu kicked four penalties for the home side in a taut affair.
At one stage in the game, after a big La Rochelle play, O’Gara pumped his fists and aimed a few choice words at Urios. The Bordeaux coach spun on his heels and bit back.
Both men got up close and personal, trading words, before Urios snapped a hand up at O’Gara’s face. The former Munster and Ireland star was livid with that and shouted at the retreating coach as an official stepped in between both men.
Christophe Urios and Ronan O'Gara
⚔️🔥 #UBBSR #TOP14 pic.twitter.com/rpIaXN289c— Ottavio Arenella (@OttavioArenella) April 2, 2022
Last laugh for Ronan O’Gara
As per usual, in most sporting clashes, some fans of Bordeaux were backing their coach for not backing down to Ronan O’Gara on the sidelines. Others felt, including La Rochelle supporters, felt Christophe Urios had taken a step too far.
Ah par contre @ChristopheUrios il a beau avoir son caractère on touche pas à Coach @RonanOGara10 En plus il reculera pas tête de b… #UBBSR pic.twitter.com/FvzpXQnEu6
— 𝗡𝗶𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘀 𝗧𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘀 ⭐️⭐️ (@Rupella17) April 2, 2022
The sideline tête-à-tête added some extra drama to what was a gripping on-field affair.
Ihaia West kicked the visitors 13-12 ahead, on 50 minutes, to tee up an all-out classic of a finish. Ultimately, it came down to another penalty in a game full of borderline calls and two sides going hammer and tongs.
The first call went in favour of Bordeaux and Lucu stepped up, with four minutes to play, to make it 15-13. Still, there was time for a final drive up the pitch and La Rochelle were awarded a late chance to win it. With 82 minutes on the clock, West made the winning kick.
Round one to Ronan O’Gara and La Rochelle. Whatever the result, though, Christophe Urios may soon find himself called up for raising his hands to O’Gara.
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