Did you hear the one about the Irishman on a crusade?
Ronan O’Gara’s switch from Paris glamour club Racing Metro to the Crusaders was far from seamless.
To hear O’Gara surrender such information is surprising, given he made 128 appearances for Ireland and toured with the British and Irish Lions on three occasions.
You would assume someone with such an impressive resume, later topped up by an assistant coach’s job at Racing Metro, wouldn’t lack self-confidence upon his arrival at a new job in Christchurch.
Former first five-eighth O’Gara puts the record straight on that one. Although it appeared the Irishman had slotted easily into the powerhouse club after replacing assistant backs coach Leon MacDonald, who unexpectedly resigned after the Crusaders won the Super title last season, the transition wasn’t straightforward.
Speaking ahead of the semifinal tonight, O’Gara said a meeting with head coach Scott Robertson and high performance manager Angus Gardiner proved a turning point.
‘‘It took me three months to adapt, and they were, I suppose, a very challenging three months,’’ O’Gara said. ‘‘But after that it was really easy. Razor and Gus pulled me aside one day and just had a good word with me, and gave me a lot of confidence.
‘‘Ever since then I have kind of kicked on and the backs have been great to deal with. I am excited, it is great for the club and it is great for me. It is what you want to be part of.’’
It seems an eternity since the Crusaders suffered their most recent defeat, a 25-17 loss to the Highlanders. Thirteen wins have followed.
Brad Mooar continued his vital role as assistant coach, combining his work with the inside backs with formulating game plans to present to Robertson. O’Gara works with the midfield and outside backs, as well as helping to organise the backline defences.
Given the Crusaders ended the regular season as top qualifier and have earned the right to host the final if they beat the Hurricanes, the addition of O’Gara should be declared a success.
He will return to Paris with wife Jessica and five children after the campaign and will be back for the 2019 season.
Everything goes on the line against the Hurricanes tonight, although O’Gara said it was surprising how reserved the Crusaders players, led by key leaders such as Sam Whitelock and Kieran Read, had been during their preparations.
‘‘I suppose it has just been a normal week. I thought there might be a little bit more of an emphasis on the week but I have loved the way the preparation has been the same, it is thoroughly professional.
‘‘We are probably going to play like we have played all season. Just because the stakes have got higher, it doesn’t change anything in the boys’ performance.’’