RONAN O’Gara livened up a forgettable second half as the Lions coasted to victory by accidentally speaking French on commentary!
As the British and Irish All-Stars cruised to a 52-12 victory over Queensland Reds the Irish legend momentarily got his languages mixed up on account of living in France for most of the last decade.
Garry Ringrose and Andrew Porter were among the try-scorers[/caption]
The 48-year-old has spoken before about the funny moments that often arise while conversing with his children who possess better French than he does.
And his latest language faux pas unfortunately came in front of a far bigger audience while on co-commentary for Sky Sports.
Virgin Media rugby host Joe Molloy was among the many viewers who cracked up at it.
He tweeted: “ROG accidentally speaking French on comms the highlight of the second-half!”
Similarly, Gavan Casey of the 42 added: “Ronan O’Gara is going to add so much to this Lions tour as a co-commentator.
“A lovely blend of coaching insight, self-deprecation, Tony Romo-esque premonitions, and accidental French. Dan Biggar top-class also, as always.”
Overall the Munster legend did très bien as there was a lot of praise for his insightful analysis as the match unfolded.
Carl hailed: “Dan Biggar and Ronan O’Gara on co-comms is the perfect blend of experience and knowledge. A pleasure to listen to them.”
Lastly, Jim praised: “Really liking Ronan O’Gara on commentary so far.”
Andy Farrell’s men had a late injury worry when Elliot Daly, himself a late call-up to the starting XV, went off with an arm injury after 66 minutes.
And captain Maro Itoje went down after a blow on the shoulder late on but carried on to ensure his side got over the line safely.
Daly was attempting a tackle on home full-back Jock Campbell when he pulled up holding his left arm and was replaced then later seen with blood coming from a bandage on the limb.
Itoje was everywhere for the Lions, dominating the line outs, bossing the breakdown and scoring a try in the second half.
There were other pluses for boss Farrell with fly-half Finn Russell conducting the backs and England wing Tommy Freeman scoring twice in another powerful display and Jac Morgan won the battle on the deck.
The Lions were hit by the late withdrawal of Ireland full-back Hugo Keenan, who was listed as sick, and Daly was parachuted in from outside the 23 to start.
Keenan has not played on the tour so far, after a calf injury, but is expected to be fit to face the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday with time running out to make a claim for a Test spot.
That means the versatile Saracen has been named in a Lions 23 for the last 11 games stretching back to the tourists’ opening game in South Africa in 2021.
PULLED CLEAR
The Lions led 21-12 at the break but had been given the hurry-up by a Reds side who drew first blood through former Wasps prop Jeff Toomaga-Allen on seven minutes.
But Freeman, with a neat finish, got the Lions back in it, but Queensland centre Josh Flook made the most of a bounce that bamboozled Duhan van der Merwe to get the hosts in front.
Itoje’s side then returned fire with a double salvo from prop Andrew Porter and Van der Merwe before the skipper stormed over off a short pass from Jamison Gibson-Park on 44 minutes.
Morgan, now the only Welsh player left on tour, finished it as a contest when he hit a strong line off Alex Mitchell’s pass to cap a great evening for the Osprey.
Freeman grabbed a second and Huw Jones ran in from 50 metres before Daly was forced off but the Lions were home and hosed.
