Leinster and La Rochelle clash in the Champions Cup quarter-final today in what is easily one of the most hotly anticipated fixtures of the season.
These two sides have developed one of the fiercest rivalries in European rugby over the last four seasons, meeting in the last two Champions Cup finals and the semi-final before that.
While the clash of these two sides is always one to savour, the build-up to this Saturday's fixture has reached new heights with Ronan O'Gara taking his side home to Cork to prepare for the clash, and the people of Cork and La Rochelle seemingly embracing each other over common enemies.
13 April 2024; La Rochelle head coach Ronan O'Gara, right, and La Rochelle forwards coach Donnacha Ryan before the Investec Champions Cup quarter-final match between Leinster and La Rochelle at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
READ ALSO: Uini Atonio And Leo Cullen In Agreement On Who The "Cork Mafia" Are Backing At The Aviva
Ronan O'Gara dispels idea of 'holiday' in Cork
While most people might consider a week in Fota Island, Cork, Ronan O'Gara disagreed.
Speaking in his pre-match interview with TNT Sports, Ronan O'Gara was quick to correct Laura Jane Jones who suggested he'd been on holiday in Cork when she asked: 'Ronan it's always nice to get a holiday in the spring, especially when it's down in the Rebel County, so how's Cork treated the team this week?'.
You're one of a number who've fallen into the trap thinking it was a holiday, it was far from a holiday it was essential work.
We had six hours to go back to La Rochelle and six hours to come back to Paris...why would you lose twelve hours in a week that's critical. We're playing for everything that we've worked for, for the last three years today.
It means so much to us this competition, we want to give ourselves the best shot, the best shot was going to Cork to prepare well and I think it's worked well, now can we execute.
While all the talk this week has been about La Rochelle's trip to Cork, Leinster manager Leo Cullen was unphased praising the positive impact it had on the excitement for the game.
There's been plenty of noise this week which has been great, great for the interest in the game, it's amazing for us to have a sell-out crowd so we're usually appreciative of the fans obviously, who are putting their hands in their pockets and buying tickets.
Whether Leinster will be able to banish their demons of the past and finally overcome La Rochelle in a knockout game or whether Ronan O'Gara will once again end Leinster's European dreams is yet to be seen. However, O'Gara's commitment to every aspect of La Rochelle's preparation shows why they're back-to-back European Champions.
SEE ALSO: Ronan O'Gara Opens Up On Why La Rochelle's Cork Trip Was A Special Experience For Him
