Ronan O'Gara insists Ireland have restored some pride and credibility with their performance in Paris.
Fly-half happy with display, not with result
Ronan O'Gara insists Ireland have restored some pride and credibility with their performance in Paris.
After a traumatic World Cup and a poor performance in last week's victory over Italy, the Irish were rocking after France built up a 26-6 lead early in the second half.
A drubbing looked on the cards but the Irish battled back to trail 26-21 and almost snatched a win in the closing stages.
"We've been trying to get credibility back in the Irish team and we hadn't managed to do that," O'Gara said.
"Against France we took a step in the right direction but this team needs a win. It's been a long time since Ireland have produced a satisfying performance like that."
But the Munster fly-half admitted to disappointment that Ireland could not close out a win.
"At Munster I'm used to winning and I expected to beat France," he added.
"We're sore at the result and a few of us are very disappointed.
"The fellas aren't happy - we were beaten again in Paris and that was the bottom line. We did perform but I'm not content with a morale-boosting performance - I play sport to win.
"We're our own worst enemies at times because we need to start believing in ourselves.
"There are some quality players in the team. The potential is there, we just need to start believing in ourselves and kick on."
