As Richie Mo'unga kicked the Canterbury Crusaders to a 10th Super Rugby title, Ronan O’Gara was likely to have been especially pleased with the influence of the New Zealand out-half.
O’Gara’s final involvement as assistant coach was to witness his team defeat the Jaguares 19-3 in Christchurch, and play his part in a second Super Rugby title win since arriving to the country last January.
The former Munster and Ireland out-half now heads for France as head coach of La Rochelle, but has impressed those within the Crusaders camp for his insight and work ethic in the role.
Mo’unga in particular has enjoyed a close relationship with the 128-cap Ireland international, benefitting from his attention to detail in attack, defence and off the kicking tee.
The 25-year-old, who is looking to challenge Beauden Barrett for the 10 jersey at the World Cup, has struggled on occasions with his place kicking.
He began the year with just four successful kicks from his first 12 attempts, but worked diligently with O'Gara and the coaching team to iron out his kinks and by time the play-offs came around, he was close to flawless.
Mo’unga not only kicked all five shots at goal against the Jaguares, he landed all 17 attempts in the three play-off games. Indeed he finished the season with only one kick off target in his last 25 attempts.
"He's been honest with me, he's had a few hard words with me at the start of the year around my goal kicking, and a few other things around my game play which has put me in good stead," Mo'unga said of O'Gara following the latest Super Rugby title success.
We respect what he says because he's done it 120 something times for Ireland
"The hard speeches that we sometimes don't want to hear on a Monday morning is what we need. He keeps us honest, we respect what he says because he's done it 120 something times for Ireland."
Next up for Mo’unga is the Rugby Championship as preparation for the World Cup.
He has played nine tests since he made his debut against France last year, seven from the bench as he looks to cement his place as number one backup for Barrett in the pivotal position.
