Leinster 13
Munster 3
ON AND ON they go, into their ninth Pro14 final in 11 years, adding a familiar victim to their growing list of scalps. At this stage, thoughts of another double and an unbeaten season are justified. Leinster are at that level.
But you have to wonder what difference the presence of Munster’s injured quartet of stars – RG Snyman, Jean Kleyn, Joey Carbery and Dave Kilcoyne – might have made here, especially when you reflect on a key period in the second-half, when the score was 10-3, and Carbery’s replacement, JJ Hanrahan, lined up a couple of penalties.
Munster needed the scores. Hanrahan missed both.
Leinster didn’t look back. They soon had a chance of their own, Johnny Sexton nailing it, pushing their lead out to 10 points. Still, Munster came at them and were much the better team in the closing 10 minutes. But Leinster held firm. Even on nights when they fail to really click, they find a way to win.
Still, before we add further detail, there was something distinctly odd about this occasion – the absence of fans milling outside Ballsbridge’s pubs, of touts haggling people for business, of burger vans clogging up the roads. You even found yourself getting nostalgic for a traffic jam as you strolled uninterrupted towards the Aviva.
And from the upper tier of the Aviva’s west stand, you could only imagine what the atmosphere would have been like if 2020 hadn’t played havoc with people’s lives and this place had have been packed tonight instead of empty. The silence when the PA man switched off the music just as Munster walked onto the field for kick-off was surreal.
A couple of hours later, when the final whistle went, those same Munster men limped back to their dressing room bruised, drained, and annoyed. They had put up a good show. They never gave in. They fell narrowly short. But that won’t make them feel better as the scale of this loss becomes clear. It is nine years now since they last won a trophy and if that drought is to end then they need all their key men fit and on the field. To add to their woes, Andrew Conway limped off just after half-time.
And yet initially, so many of the little battles went Munster’s way – from Peter O’Mahony’s outrageously well-timed leap to collect Johnny Sexton’s kick-off, through to their front row holding firm in the first couple of scrums. Momentum slowly built, JJ Hanrahan holding his nerve when presented with a fifth-minute opportunity to nail the opening penalty of the game.
Behind, Leinster fought back immediately, camping inside the Munster half for the next 10 minutes – winning a couple of penalties of their own. Yet they did nothing with them – opting to kick for territory with the first of those, before miscommunication saw Ronan Kelleher’s darts miss the board.
A few minutes later it was Sexton who was off target – his long-range penalty ending narrowly wide of the posts. Psychologically these little success stories seemed to add layers to Munster’s self-belief. They’d win a couple more penalties in the following 10 minutes, neither of them within Hanrahan’s range.
But still. They were on the front foot, applying pressure, playing the game on their terms. Not for long, though. You only had to hear the roar of the Leinster players’ shouts when Hugo Keenan nailed Conor Murray with a crunching 23rd minute tackle to know they too were relishing this challenge.
They’d subsequently show it, too – increasing the tempo from this moment on. They got on top in the scrum. What’s more, they started to put width on their attack, stretching the Munster defence, eventually forcing Keith Earls to backpedal furiously as he failed to hold Sexton’s crosskick.
He’d pay for that mistake, the subsequent scrum eventually leading to a penalty, the subsequent penalty to another line-out, which Kelleher didn’t mess up this time. Even better, he bravely got hold of the ball from the maul and nudged forward, under severe pressure, to touch down. Try, Leinster.
The roll of the dice saw their numbers come up. Kelleher accepted the challenge Sexton had posed him, relaxed and delivered a perfect throw to Jack Conan at the front of the line out. Then when the ball emerged, the hooker seized it with a predator’s relish, to score.
In so many ways this was the game’s decisive moment, because the boldness of the gamble had highlighted the deep-layered confidence that exists within these Leinster players. They knew – when deep inside the Munster half – that they had to back themselves.
They were right to.
A Sexton penalty just before half-time stretched Leinster’s lead to seven and even though this was a far from insurmountable lead, you just couldn’t see Munster having enough depth to overcome it.
The opening 15 minutes of the second half backed up this hunch, Leinster edging proceedings, Munster’s discomfort worsening when Andrew Conway was forced off with an injury.
But they kept battling, winning a scrum penalty on 55 minutes, celebrating that victory as if it could be decisive.
But it wasn’t.
They didn’t fold in the final quarter. Instead they were the better team. The final minutes saw them camp in the Leinster 22. But you aren’t going to win trophies if you only manage to score three points. That is a harsh truth they don’t need to be told.
Leinster scorers:
Tries: Kelleher
Conversions: Sexton 1 from 1
Penalties: Sexton 2 from 3
Munster scorers:
Penalties: Hanrahan 1 from 3
LEINSTER: Jordan Larmour (Rory O’Loughlin ’46); Hugo Keenan, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe; Johnny Sexton (captain) (Ross Byrne ’67), Luke McGrath (Jamison Gibson-Park ’60); Cian Healy (Ed Byrne ’55), Ronan Kelleher (Sean Cronin ’63), Andrew Porter (Michael Bent ’63); Devin Toner, Scott Fardy (Ryan Baird ’53); Caelan Doris, Will Connors (Josh van der Flier ’74), Jack Conan.
MUNSTER: Shane Daly; Andrew Conway (Rory Scannell ’46), Chris Farrell, Damian de Allende, Keith Earls; JJ Hanrahan, Conor Murray (Craig Casey ’71); Jeremy Loughman (James Cronin ’57), Niall Scannell (Kevin O’Byrne ’67), Stephen Archer (John Ryan ’51); Tadhg Beirne, Billy Holland (Fineen Wycherley ’57); Peter O’Mahony (captain), Jack O’Donoghue (Chris Cloete ’51), CJ Stander.
Referee: Andrew Brace.
Was the game plan for Munster to box kick whenever they had the ball? Shocking rugby and deservedly go out on a whimper in yet another semi final. Conor Murray, woeful. Will Connors, world class.
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: not sure what the gameplay was. We have one of the best centre partnerships itw yet we don’t use them. Shocking again
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: some man to get the top comment
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: JVG has taken Munster backward not forward. Squad and coaching has had good investment but this is how he chooses to play. Can’t blame players like Murray for box kicking when that is what he is told to do. Leinster were poor too but Munster never fired a proper shot and got what they deserved.
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: regardless of whether it’s a game plan or not it says a lot about Murray to consistently do it knowing it’s not working … or if it’s his choice well then he needs to be held accountable, either way I can’t understand why Munster would accept that in a semi final , why bother bringing in Larkham & Allende at all then or ignoring a dynamic back three
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: Doris was best man in blue
@Côte D’oherty: some man with no life…
@Cortiss: one of the best centre partnerships in the world!
@Trevor Johnston: you’d do well to find a Leinster fan who would swap Ringrose or Henshaw for either of them.
No arguments with any of that. V poor quality game. Leinster were the better side in pretty much every facet and were comfortable out in the second half. We didn’t put half enough pressure on them. GG Leinster and best of luck.
@Jim Demps: Fair play Jim
@Jim Demps: Beirne went missing tonight? Not sure he is a starter for ireland, personally I think he is too light for bad row, especially to make the hard yards. Why kick the ball away when you have 2 very good centres? Thanks
@Danger: Beirne was superb throughout
@Jim Demps: Thoughts on JVG Jim, I can’t see Munster progressing playing his style of Rugby. He was on the coaching ticket of a very poor Peter de Villiers Springbok coaching unit, who got humiliated at the highest stage, I think Munster should move on !
@Jim Demps: Your Munster by 7+ was a bit off Jim. Their tactics were shocking bad, kicked the leather off the ball.
@Danger: I though Beirne was very good. He might be a little light for an top international secondrow but we only really have one or two of them. After Henderson and Ryan he’s easily next best.
@Cortiss: r u joking? He made one turnover, can’t recall him doing much. Munster’s scrum was under pressure – super player but too light for the engine room
@Jim Demps: frustarting – Leinster didnt have to go to the well. Theyre a champion side for a reason. Munsters problems stem from their pack not being able to deliver any effective front foot carries / generate quick ruck ball. No evidence of larkhams footprint on the game plan. one up round the corner carries and continuous box kicking is not going to beat Leinster. It’s the hope that kills you :). not being reactionary but you have to say JJ is not a pressure cooker player, had being going nicely but that’s quite a few instances now of his inability to deliver when it really matters. Also, Murray’s pass has deteriorated to the point that Casey may start to get the nod. I will say Murray is not helped by his pack and he plays to a game plan, but that said, hes not the player he was.
@k mcnamara: Regarding Murray. People are constantly criticising him for his box kicks. It’s very obvious he’s been told to do it. If not he would be taken off earlier. I’ve defended him so long on here but I think the time has come to start Casey and build for the future. Same with Healy. JJ has left us down a few times on the bigger occasion.
@Jim Demps: you beat them up Jim for most of the first half but outside that there was no game plan
@Jim Demps: Honest comment Jim. Leinster are a machine and the only thing that will result in them losing is complacency and I can’t see that happen. Congrats to Leinster.
@Danger: not sure what you’re talking about on Beirne. Thought he was excellent. And for all the scrum dominance you’re talking about wasn’t it one penalty a piece there? I’m open to correction on that though.
@blindside: continuity is important. We’ve had enough changes to coaches in the last few years. Keep building.
@Luke walkee: if I got all my predictions right I’d be a richer man than I am.
@Jim Demps: negative continuity isn’t a good thing tho Jim
@Jim Demps: I suppose it’s the hope that kills ya.
@blindside: dunno man, it’s not all negative. They were hardly blown out of the water tonight. We’ll hear all about Munsters lack of creativity and back play for the next month but Leinster didn’t exactly carve them open. One try in the game that could have been given or could have been blown as a penalty. Those are the breaks, no bother with it but people need to keep a bit of perspective too.
@Luke walkee: usually is alright.
@k mcnamara: I dunno, on Murray I thought he went well until he got the bang to the shoulder, struggled after that and should have been hauled off earlier. Saying that though he was still the best 9 on the park. There’ll be a lot made of the kicking tactics but that’s on the coach not the player, Murray executed it well. McGrath by comparison was awful behind a pack that was winning the collisions. Casey will get a ball of time when there’s that big block of internationals coming up.
@Jim Demps: 3 points though ! Hard to put a positive spin on that, style of play etc. JVG wasn’t exactly coveted in SA either.
@blindside: I’m sure there’s lots of ways fellas can spin it, doesn’t change the actuality of it though. He won’t be going anywhere.
@Jim Demps: then neither will Munster I feel unfortunately. Hitched their wagon to a bad horse
It was awful to watch from both teams perspectives. Terrible terrible game. Sport is an entertainment industry at the end of the day. Theres always talk about how world rugby needs to change this rule or that rule to make the game more entertaining. Some of that blame needs to fall on the teams though. You dont see New Zealand teams playing this terrible brand of rugby. I’m pretty sure they get rain there too. Munster were behind and chose to kick it repeatedly even though it wasnt working for them. Leinster were happy to sit back and watch Munster run down the clock. Neither team did anything particularly noteworthy
@Chris Mc: disagree thought Toner best second row on pitch
@Jim Demps: All bark & absolutely zero bite.
@Trevor Johnston: toner was very good. He was brought in to fix a real problem from 2 weeks ago and did just that. I’d be concerned that Fardy may not be up to the pace so far.
@Harry O’Callaghan: sorry, who are you? I’m not sure if we’ve ever spoken on here before but I’m not sure what you’re talking about.
@Jim Demps: I thought the try was a double movement. Other than that, there’s not much between them on the scoreboard. However, Leinster are winners. There’s not much denying that. The focus for Munster must be beating all the other sides in the pro14 and then tackling Leinster. I know you might say that was the game tonight, but honestly, are Munster at that level yet?
@Jim Demps: exactly, perspective. People slating JJ for missing 2 kicks here. Didn’t ROG (doesn’t everyone agree he is a legend of Irish rugby now) have a few nightmare games in his day…and JS too. Anyway, hats off and well done to Leinster.
@Jim Demps: zero bite…
JJ Hanrahan time and time again letting Munster down. When will we learn, he can’t be trusted at this level. Not sure what Healy or Crowley have to do to get a chance. Brutal attack again, pick and go and one off runners every time. We have two quality centres who we don’t use. Nothing’s changed in the last 5 years. Time for a change, #jvgOUT. Leinster didn’t have to get out of third gear the whole game and it’s been like that for years. We are a level below them and it’s sad to see. Once again #JVGOUT
@Cortiss: ok JJ was poor for the 2 kicks he missed but Murray was anonymous and has been for a long time. He is meant to be a senior player for ye??
@Will: I’d have Murray gone personally. And it’s not just 2 kicks, Hanrahan let’s us down time and time again
@Cortiss: Nothing to do with player selection. If we had Carbery and Casey start it wouldn’t have made a bit of difference. Problem is the standard these players set themselves in camp. No strategy, no cohesion, kick and hope. Very little skills on show because very little skills in camp. Cautious approach to everything we do. Nobody taking risks. Every time Leinster ran at us or spread it out wide, it was panic stations and a scrambling defence. They’d make 10 metres without a tackle going in. We take the ball statically and spend 5 mins to make a few metres until we happily wave the white flag and kick it away. Desperately unintelligent play. Has been the case for years now against proper opposition.
What a difference 2 weeks make. Very boring game only matched by the commentary. If the box kick doesn’t work……try try again!
After 5 minutes it was painfully obvious that Munster were not going to win by box kicking. It’s a shame it never occurred to the Munster players or coaching staff.
Leinster ruthless as always.
Munster were very poor so many terrible mistakes. Can we please stop talking hanrahan up to a player he clearly is not?! Forwards handling is not good enough. Leinster were hardly out of second gear in that game.
Shane daly is a player though, thats about the only positive for munster
No prizes for guessing who Liam Toland was supporting…
@Miguel Sanchez: no prizes for guessing that Eir Sport don’t need to invest in actual commentators as they are the only show in town. Somehow Toland managed to blame Murray for Porter’s penalty
Why bring in Larkham & Allende and consistently box kicking it ? If it’s a game plan then how can they not see it isn’t working ? Why aren’t they changing it on the pitch , you’d have to ask questions of Murray , he is far too slow and is always being asked to use it by the refs .. we have a class back three but never integrate them into any backs moves . So much for the so called revolution
That was one of the most boring games of rugby I have ever seen. Box kick, box kick, box kick etc etc. Zzzzzzzzzz
New world, same old Munster. I’ve come to accept the fact that we need to rely on importing players from other Provinces and countries to be able to compete but what I can’t accept is the same old stupid mistakes, predictable gameplans, terrible execution and just the generally awful old fashioned mindset. Instead of pride and passion, to the brave and faithful bla bla bla how about some skill and execution? Rather than getting overly excited and blowing it like a teenager about to loose his virginity every time we get inside the opposition 22, we calm down and show a little bit of composure? Munster is the living, breathing, rugby playing definition of you can’t teach an old dog new tricks and I’m sick of watching it. Congrats to Leinster and best of luck in the final.
@Brian Brian: Do you not think the over reliance on foreign imports and the other provinces for players is the issue? If Munster truly put some effort into underage development and their academy they would be churning out players every year. Instead the academy players rarely get a look in and have to move on once they’re spent.
Munster have a big coaching ticket who seem to only know crash ball and box kick. Never any plan B. It will only get you so far.
@Andy Dwyer: We don’t have the structure or numbers of players in the system to produce players with anywhere near the same efficiency as the likes of Leinster. I don’t want imports making up the majority of the team but the reality is they will continue to do so. I agree with the rest of your post 100%. Awful coaching, awful tactics, zero new ideas. Been that way for the bones of 10 years and will continue to be so into the future by the looks of it.
@Brian Brian: I love it a brilliant comment.
I suppose I and other “older” Munster supporters will always be partisan towards the Munster of old but would like think that the present day squad will come up to those standards again but Im afraid not.
Well done to Leinster they are at a different level.
Pretty poor match with an abysmal commentary.
Mind you its hard to get enthused about any team sport played behind closed doors with no crowds.
Last night’s soccer was another case and point.
Maybe the hurling championship might give us some form of redemption from this weird empty sporting atmosphere that prevails at the moment.
@Brian Brian: I agree but there is player numbers there to create some talent. It’s up to Munster to put the structures in place that work for them. Just saying that Leinster have a better system and numbers is a tired excuse at this stage.
Of course Munster need some imports but being entirely reliant on imports is unsustainable and and just inefficient.
Obviously the tactics aren’t helping. Maybe JVG should go but you would think in Larkham and Rowntree they have a decent ticket.
@Brian Brian: you shouldn’t have to accept that Munster have to rely on importing foreign players from other countries and provinces. That’s the problem right there. Back your own!
Sexton & Doris outstanding. Not a great game by either side but Leinster looked comfortable despite their numerous mistakes. Munster looked tired imo, and couldn’t capitalise on Leinster’s errors.
Couldn’t be more frustrated, wait for Leinster to get set, then after 1 or 2 phases of slow ball from 1 out runners kick the ball back. Leinster didn’t have to do much to win that match and that’s the scary thing from a Munster perspective.
I saw Munster to win by “7+” points earlier today.
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: pity you weren’t as graceful in victory as jim was in defeat,Leinster deserved it
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: that’s just Jim, he’s a cl0wn as you can see with him bigging up JJ Hanrahan
@Pete mc pete: A lot of classless jibes and insults thrown my way and the way of many others this week. A bit of banter over a predicted scoreline doesnt cut too deep.
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: it’s always better to be the bigger man Noel,I’m a Munster fan since long before we were even challenging for a Heineken cup but that Leinster team is by far the best in Europe at the moment
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: I don’t think anyone can take your classless mantle away other than maybe Robb Stark
@Pete mc pete: The way Saracens and Exeter are playing at the moment, I’m not sure they are that fat ahead.
@Timmy O’Toole: Have a nice weekend Timmy
@Pete mc pete: well said Pete and I say that as a devout Leinster fan. This crowing over victory is pathetic. Leinster won tonight and deservedly so. Munster lost. For all their possession they should have done more. But I feel they will deliver more in time given the team they have and the drive. But these times are not normal. Delighted for Leinster. Hard luck Munster. Better days ahead for you I am sure.
@Pete mc pete: Well done its comments like that which will numb the trolls ! Respect
@John R: thanks John,Munster had a game plan tonight that wasn’t going to work from the first ball that larmour caught and they persisted with it for the entire game,played right into your hands,good luck for the rest of the season and hopefully an Irish team will win league and champions cup
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: there was a serious amount of unjustified arrogance in the air alright. Munster were to have a field day box kicking onto that Leinster back 3 aswell. Leinster have a lot of further improvement to do especially before Sarries. Weakened or not Sarries will fancy upsetting what they’ve seen the last 2 weeks
When will Munster learn you’ll win nothing with that box kicking tripe, every player in Ireland knows what Murray is gonna do with the ball, it’s so static and pedestrian. Why can’t they give Casey a go, up the tempo and try and make things happen instead of kicking the ball away 400 times a game !
@Darren Mullins: I’d rather see Casey starting a few big games
Hard fought victory for Leinster. Munster offered nothing in attack not helped by a certain South African centre. Hanrahan’s misses were embarrassing. Thought McGrath was poor for Leinster; would love to see Jgp get the nod in future.
@Hugh: not much Damian can do if we use him as dummy runner every time
@Cortiss: Tbf I’d say it’s tough playing under Jvg with those “tactics”. Taken you backwards
Hanrahan missed 2 crucial kicks but i feel v sorry for CF and DDA. Every time Munster had a bit of momentum it stopped for a box kick. It was shocking stuff. I think munster need to move away from JVG. It was a clear tactic tonight which didnt get a huge reward and had very little rotation.
Nice little training session for Leinster that on the lead up to the Saracens game.
Munster are shocking bad, why did they sign an world Cup winning centre when Murray box kicked again, and again and again and again
Leinster deserved it on ambition alone.
Enjoyable enough game but munster looked devoid of ambition and got what they deserved from the game. As for Leinster they were clinical at times and removed the threat from lineout and many many many kicks as best they could and sorted the breakdown. This was contributed to by being overcooked compared Leinster who look like they’re still building to Europe. I genially feel for JJ missing those chances to bring it to 10-9 but that’s knockout pressure too. Roll on next week and look forward to munster improving on that and all around game play. Casey change was too late to make a change to all around them and personally would’ve been more worried if he came on at 60/65 mins.
@Bryan Russell: did you prepare this in word and paste in as soon as the article was up…… some dedication!
@T Dawg: if he did, it says a lot about Munster.
@Stiofain O’ Morain: Not sure of your point here Stiofain. It’s probably just gone over my head!
@T Dawg: He’s insinuating that if he was able to prepare his comment so far in advance of the final whistle then Munster must have been so bad that the result was never in question.
@Bryan Russell: as a neutral not enjoyable
@Brian Brian: but there was 10 mins between final whistle and the article. I only implied he prepared it in that wimdow and pasted it in.
Munster would not have beaten any of the semi finalists today. Leinster strolled home. It wasn’t close. And it hurts….badly. Im not one for bashing the team I support so I will just ask a question why buy the World Cup winning centre to be coached by a World Cup winning out half and box kick for the entire game in slippy conditions?
Open the dam pubs for gods sake
Can’t wait to see Jim Demps take the positives from this. Had to switch it off after 60 minutes, went sticking needles in my eyes instead.
@Paddy Kennedy: acupuncture?
@Biscuits Patinkin: or maybe a call to narcotics anonymous?
@Paddy Kennedy: read his posts above and before yours. He’s called it as it was. Your comment was far too superfluous.
And that’s why we are champions. The amount of sh*** I’ve read on this saying it’s got 2009 feels about it, Munster can win, Munster have closed the gap. Come off it. This Leinster doesn’t get the respect it deserves. I would love to see Munster back to the top with Leinster but they aren’t there yet and look quite a bit off.
@Axel Beckett: I haven’t seen Munster people disrespecting Leinster. I have a huge amount of respect for a team with the drive and ability to go unbeaten for that length of time. Fair f€€ks
Surprising commentator said Munster had a lot of opportunities. They missed a couple of penalties but never looked close to scoring a try. Biggest risk taken all day was toss of the coin!
If Munster integrate catching the ball into their gameplan, they could do very well next season. Not kicking it away at every opportunity would be nice too
I’ve defended JJs kicking percentages (which are very good at 92%) but he does appear to miss the pressue kicks more than the 8% he should. To be fair he prob is one of the best back up flyhalves, Munster just couldnt covert field position into points. The box kick gained some success but was way over used, the wings mostly just chased them, why have two quality centers if they arent used, and quality wings, just to chase box kicks. Todays game didn’t show any changes that Larkham has been supposed to be bringing in. On another note, Munster don’t look to far away from the top table again, they got plently of ball and worked in into scoring positions, just need more inventiveness in the final 3rd, and a kicker that can covert under pressure and they will be back.
@Kingshu: “covert”
@Kingshu: Good Post. No Munster game plan. Dominated game and got nothing.
Centre partnership does not work.
Connors Mom. Still mileage in Toner.
Both starting hookers were good but Kelleher shaded it. As an Ulster supporter I would say Edinburgh Leinster final. I hope I am wrong.
@Kingshu: when joey began at munster they started to use him and he was beginning to expand their game. Its like the coaches just don’t trust JJ getting the ball. Either play JJ and give him good ball or bring in one of the younger players.
@Chris Mc: Murray runs the game which begs the question why is Stephen Larkham in Limerick?
It almost looks like Donnacha Ryan and Zebo knew something no one else did, or saw the writing on the wall and decided to cash in. There’s a generation of Munster players who are staring down the barrel of going their whole career trophyless with their local, boyhood club, having had the way paved for them by the previous generation. You would think that would instill a certain desire and hunger in them, 5 day turnaround or no, but it seems to have had the opposite effect. Some very dejected and checked-out body language throughout the Munster senior leadership group.
@Ben Cooper: You could even see Tadhg Beirne’s body language when he was subbed off. He was left looking completely dejected and angry. He put a bigger shift in than most of the Munster lads and he’s a leinsterman. Says it all really.
Jesus that was B O R I N G
Heroic effort from munster but great win from Leinster as always a really tough inter-prov Dev and Connors really had standers number tonight
Same old Munster. Not good enough. Another season of underachievement and failure. I feel sorry for JJ, he’s just not at the level required. Shown up again tonight.
We are constantly told Larkham is a world class coach, look at that back play tonight. Horrific, nothing bar box kick after box kick. For the big money he’s on De Allende offered little.
Leinster were not that impressive but did enough. Sexton is a warrior.
@Robb Stark: to be fair De Allende is only in there 5 minutes, but agree with the boxkicking nonsense. If it doesn’t work there seems to be no plan b
@Robb Stark: your team wins and the majority of your comment is spent criticising the opposition. You should cheer up! Ye won
@Timmy O’Toole: Saracens will eat Leinster alive unless Leinster buck up their ideas. Have been very subdued since the resumption.
Van Graan is not a top level coach. Three years in charge and his tactic remains unlimited box kicks. The harsh reality is Munster are carrying so many players like Archer, both Scannell’s, Billy Holland and JJ Hanrahan.
Despite some charity penalties from the ref, it was a very easy victory in the end.. Munster need a few more coaches on the ticket.
Why did Munster bring in these so called world class coaches for and then kick the living daylights out of the ball up, up and further up in the air.
They played with absolutely no ambition.
Bish, boch and more of the same. Were they frightened to get into a rugby game or what.
One of the worst performances I have seen then put in.
Some of their so called big players should definitely not be undroppable and take a time on the bench.
Boy it was a hard watch this evening
Really believe the Munster board & the IRFU have a lot to answer for bringing in JVG (Rassie’s mate). The Munster team is like dad’s army & I can see a lot of the really good younger player being picked up or just moving on.
Not one Munster player would not make the Leinster Squad. Munster Skill sit very poor Conor Murray is finish.
@Aido: put the pint down aido
@Aido: Synman Stander Kilcoyne Conway de allandre Beirne Earls and Carberry? I’d say you’ve gone over the 105 minutes kid
@Decko49: think it’s just Conway in that list that Leo would take in the morning chief
@Carmine Lorenzo: That’s why you’re on here and not coaching Leinster kid
@Decko49: Have a lovely weekend little fella. Go wallow in some misery :) Better luck luck next time champ
@Carmine Lorenzo: I stated a fact kid. It’s just your anti Munster agenda is clouding your judgement. Don’t be worrying about me. I’m fine thanks kid
@Decko49: aww kiiiiidd
All the way from South Africa to coach that kind of game plan,good grief. Surely some players can’t be impressed with this ridiculous stuff? Saying that,I know sweet FA about the game, but that looked pretty bad. Zero attack….pass pass kick and repeat. Earls had a better chance catching a Luas back to Moyross than getting a ball out wide to him.
Deserved win for Leinster. Quite a lot of arrogance on here from *certain* Munster fans. Amusing as always.. Hopefully they are put in their place now. Leinster looked better from the off. That said, I can fathom how Munster elected to not try go wide more often. With those 2 centres, a hugely promising Daly (he will now probably come into recognition internationally) and then one of the best wingers in Europe, Conway. Play a game to get the ball in their hands. Lastly *certain* Munster fans wishing Sexton an early retirement – hopefully they watched that game. Still the best Irish 10 on show.
Very poor again. How much more time should van Graham reasonably get? Not much I would have thought!
What happened to munsters back line tonight? They were amazing last week. Yes they were playing a Connacht b team with just 13 players for a large portion of the game but at least they still threw the ball around a fair bit and the centres looked class. Including Hanrahan. What with all the box kicking. It’s so predictable. It’s such a bad game plan in fact, you could put a 14 year old @ full back for the opposition and he’d still catch the ball. I’m glad Keenan, Larmour & Lowe had a great game tonight. Funny how all the Munster supporters were saying Larmour isn’t a good full back and that Keenan was a weakness in the back 3. Keenan outplayed his opposite number tonight.
@Harry O’Callaghan: Maybe playing 3 weeks in a row without any changes didn’t help along with the 5 day turnaround.
I suggested that would be the case but JD disagreed!
Poor game. Saracens won’t be shaking in there boots either.
It is interesting that the start of the article wonders what difference Munster’s missing quartet would have made. I guess the same could be said for Leinster in terms of Ryan, Furlong and Leavy (to a lesser extent).
Munster did not once threaten Leinster’s try line tonight. Every time Munster seemed to get energy in their game, either efficient Leinster defence or mistakes/infringements blighted their performance.
It would take a diehard and myopic Munster supporter to say they were unlucky. Leinster got the job done, but we know there is more in the tank.
@John Peeters: To be honest I don’t think any Munster fan said they were unlucky. Best team won. Nobody complaining about referees which is good for a change. And I agree Leinster have more in the tank. Number 5 is on the way too.
@John Peeters: don’t forget McFadden, D Kearney, Adam Byrne, Conor O’Brien. Interesting narrative.
Munster are really bad, heartless and lack of skill and ambition.. really sad
A hard watch, but Jonny still has it.
Do not think this interprovical game has the same spark it had before. Pro 14 or knock out competition. Leinster just are the new power in Irish rugby. We are providing all the new talent. Let us are benifit, what is the issue.
Why are Munster recruiting a world cup winning centre when Murray constantly kicks away possession. Like a rugby league player after 5th tackle – hand the ball over. Box kicking does not work. Who is giving the instructions.
Fatigue.. It’s always going to be a problem when you only have 2 real rugby here… when is the GAA championship starting .. up Tipp
Very disappointed with the predictability of Conor Murray’s play, Daly looked hungry and full of zest when he came on
Different standard and different mentality.leinster far superior in both of those. They just know how to win and can do it at the crucial times. Munster just don’t have that killer edge to them. I don’t think we any player that when they get the ball you think ‘oh here we go now’… very very disappointing performance
Larkham was a great player but a terrible coach
Munster – 7+3
“You have to wonder what difference the presence of Munster’s injured quartet would have made.”
Probably a similar difference that the presence of Leinster’s injured quartet would have made – Ryan, Leavy, Furlong, Kearney
So maybe you don’t “have to”.
Almost felt sorry for Conor Morris and Liam Toland on the Eir sport commentary, they didn’t get to fantasise as much as they’d have liked about Tadgh Beirne. No need for the tissues to lean up.
@Marty H: *clean up
It’s hard to see why larkham is there. Van grahn is obviously sticking with the African way and rowntree is Leicester through and through hard to see what way they want to play. They have top quality centres and the 2 best wingers in the country. Unfortunately hanrahans confidence is shot hopefully he bounces back. Leinster will need to up their game to beat saracens