Ronan O’Gara Tells Amazing Story About Paul O’Connell’s Captaincy
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Ronan O’Gara had the pleasure of playing with Paul O’Connell for over 17 years with Munster, Ireland & The British & Irish Lions.
When asked last year about O’Connell’s forced early retirement following a devastating hamstring injury picked up at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, O’Gara recalled the brilliance of O’Connell’s captaincy.
The Racing 92 coach spoke about how O’Connell was there for him when he gave away a penalty in the 2nd Test against South Africa back in 2009, that ended up costing the Lions the chance of drawing the series.
“Pretoria six years ago, he had the opportunity for immortality as captain of the Lions. But in that second test, I destroyed that dream for him, giving away the winning Boks penalty which Morne Steyn kicked from 53 metres. Paul was captain, it could have been his biggest achievement in the game”
“Coming off the field, he had the respect and decency, the greatness, to put his arm around someone who just wanted his world to end right there. He was thinking of me when anyone else could have said ‘what were you doing there?’”
“On the flight home from that tour, one thought kept rebounding, something Marty Williams of Wales said to me. I’d have huge respect for Williams, a man who has achieved plenty in the game. But the awe in which he held Paulie was remarkable. For him to say O’Connell was the best captain he’s played under said plenty. And that was after just six weeks. I’ve had the privilege for 15 years.”
