“WE’LL HAVE TO suck it up and get back on the horse pretty quickly,” said Rob Kearney about an hour after Leinster had been beaten 20-10 by Saracens in the Heineken Champions Cup final.
Tadhg Furlong went for the same animal-related analogy in agreeing that “it’s nice for us to dust ourselves down and get back on the horse.”
The pain of defeat at St James’ Park – and some of the key regrets – will linger in the coming days but Leinster have another big game this weekend as they host Munster on Saturday in the Guinness Pro14 semi-finals.
“Munster will be frothing at the mouth waiting for us,” said Kearney, very much continuing the theme.
And Kearney is certainly correct. Munster will be eyeing up this final-four clash as a real opportunity after watching Leo Cullen’s Leinster engage in the closest thing rugby has to warfare.
The physicality of Leinster’s defeat to Saracens was utterly brutal, with the likes of Johnny Sexton and James Ryan confirming post-match that it had been of Test-match standard in that sense.
There will be battered bodies early on this week in the Leinster camp, although Cullen said on Saturday night that “there doesn’t seem to be any show-stoppers at this stage.”
This weekend’s game at the RDS is a repeat of the same fixture last season, when Munster visited the Dublin venue and lost 16-15 in dramatic circumstances.
On that occasion, Cullen’s squad bounced into the clash with a pep in their step having claimed the Champions Cup against Racing 92 the weekend before. This time they’re coming off the crushing disappointment of falling short against Sarries.
“The next few days won’t be great,” admitted Leinster scrum-half Luke McGrath before underlining that the visit of Munster is the perfect way for himself and his team-mates to move swiftly on.
Cullen sounded a word of warning about what Johann van Graan’s team will bring.
“Munster have the advantage in many ways because they’ve had a week of preparation under their belt already and I’m sure they will be geared up,” said Cullen.
“Even listening to some of the noise coming out of their camp as well, some coaches moving on, listening to some of the players and the way they are talking about not wanting to finish playing for Munster until they win some silverware.
“So, you know how much it means to them, so it should be a good battle.”
It still feels somewhat strange that the European Cup final isn’t the very last game of the season but Furlong stressed that Leinster appreciate exactly what is ahead this weekend.
“It’s knock-out rugby again,” said Furlong. “It’s finals rugby and it’s something that we build towards and aim to do.
“And look, we didn’t get over the line today and that’s credit for Saracens but it’s Munster next, it’s the rivalry, and we’re playing them in the RDS, which doesn’t happen too often.
“So it’s a special occasion for players.”
Subscribe to our new podcast, The42 Rugby Weekly, here:
It’s a bigger game for Leinster than it is munster. The papers and the pundits have already decreed that munster are in crisis and are falling apart at the seams so a loss is expected. Leinster on the other hand will not only be expected to win but to do it handsomely too. As I was told over and over again all weekend, leinster only need to turn up this weekend to get a result.
Incidentally enough Leinsters last 7 results have yielded 4 losses, 2 wins and 1 draw. Munsters last 7 is 6 wins and 1 loss.
Personally I think it’s going to be a munster win.
@Jim Demps: I have an awful feeling that you may be right there Jim.
It will take a hell of a lot to get those battered bodies right for Saturday and it’s a great opportunity for Munster to put one over Leinster.
@Jim Demps: clearly is a bigger game for Munster seeing as the last time they won a trophy.
@Bob Joe: not so sure on that. What kind of season will it have been for Leinster if they lose this weekend versus the expectation at the start of the season. Even the expectation of 3 weeks ago? Like I said above, munster are in trouble according to the pundits. Shur on the Monday after the HCup final Gavin Cummoskeys in the times first half page is about munster and their woes. Me personally I’d be disappointed if we don’t win this weekend even with the bookies having us as massive underdogs.
@Jim Demps:
Ya, but look at the munster performances. Been pretty awful to be honest. Leinster s defence, against munster attack. Only one winner there. . And this is coming from a munster man.
@Jim Demps: as a Munster supporter I wish I was as optimistic as you are. The game is on in Leinster’s backyard and they will be looking to take out their frustration of losing last weekend. Munster’s attack is blunt and I don’t see how we can hurt leinster to any large degree. I’d say leinster by 8. Hope I’m wrong!
@Jim Demps: no they’re not. The papers and sites I read didn’t say that. They mostly said Leinster were out muscled by a physically stronger Saracens. Leinster had top spot wrapped up in pro14 with 6 games to go. They had an excellent Heineken cup run. Hardly falling at the seams.
@Anthony: in your haste to have an argument with me you only skimmed through my comment and didn’t bother to actually read it. Have another go.
@Jim Demps: The expectation for Leinster at the beginning of the season was to be there or there abouts competing in the business end of both comps come the end of the season. Can’t find it atm, but there’s an excellent interview with Cullen from the beginning of the season talking about it. Basically that expecting to win every year isn’t reasonable, but putting yourself in a position to win is reasonable. The fans/media expectations will have no bearing on the game, for either side.
@Peter McCarthy: there’s an article only last week on here saying that the players set their objectives at the start of the season. Back to back were the words used in relation to their targets.
@Peter McCarthy: ‘Back-to-back were the words at the start of the season, it would be an incredible achievement ‘ https://the42.ie/4624989
@Jim Demps: Desires =/= expectations
@Jim Demps: It’s a league semi final between 2 traditional rivals. It’s a massive game for both teams. Is it really bigger for one over the other? Does it matter?
@grandslamkbo: It’s only sport, none of it matters but I figured as we were on a rugby comment board I’d actually talk about rugby, something that you seemingly have lost the ability to do.
@Jim Demps: Ah don’t sell yourself short. You have a lot more ribbons to your bow, like complaining about provincial willy waving and then doing exactly that only minutes later. Anyway, this has been a bad week for Munster, with the confusion over club legends Jones and Flannery. I don’t know what Leinster’s goals were at the start of the season but HCC final with a home quarter and semi plus a home league semi represents a good season even if it ends on Saturday. It’s been a long time since Munster won a trophy and now they’re further disrupted next season. Leinster lost Fogerty and immediately signed McBryde. This is a massive game for Munster. They’re whole season depends on this.
@grandslamkbo: yup shur we all know the story. Leinster good, munster bad, it’s been well played out in a lot of places over the last week or so. I mean Leinster with their full side out are a good 20-30 points ahead of munster aren’t they? Especially at home?
@Jim Demps: a fully fit and firing Leinster squad playing their best are right now 15-20 points better than the equivalent Munster side, but neither side is fully fit or fully firing and Leinster come off a brushing game with a short recovery – it’s too close to call.
@BMJF: nah I don’t buy that. These guys are professional athletes, well able to play two high intensity matches in 7 days. Every team and top player in the world does it in the World Cup. Leinster will be full strength this weekend as will be munster. If you think leinster are 15-20 points ahead of munster then they should be showing it this weekend. I however don’t think they are.
@Jim Demps: Counting last 7 have is meaningless. Leinster put out a lot of very mixed teams after qualifying for a home semi: chance to give some junior players a run in games that didn’t really matter.
@Jim Demps: FGS, what else would the players say? Our ambition is to do worse than last year? What team would say that at the start of the season?
@Jim Demps:
The last 5 games ::Munster V Leinster 4 wins for Leinster and the last one for Munster, I am sure you meant to say that. You were told over and over again all weekend, Leinster only need to turn up this weekend to get a result. Funny I dont know any Leinster fan who believes that, because M V L games are always one off games and any team could win>> so let’s hope for a great game ::hard but fair between to great Irish Clubs:: both teams need a result ::Munster need it to get a chance to get some silverware and Leinster need it to clear the heads of some bad mistakes from last week ;;
COYBIB ::::::::: COYBIR
@Jim Demps:
I am sorry is this what you think ” If you think leinster are 15-20 points ahead of munster then they should be showing it this weekend. ” I do not and no Leinster fan I know thinks that:: You are making this more than a game between too good teams into something else >> We IMO believe these M V L games are one off and anyone can wim :::lets leave it at that !!
@Anthony:
You see he is telling you what you think :: this is what he does ::
2 wins in 7 for Leinster and one of those was thanks to Stockdale dropping the ball. The media have been very kind to completely turn a blind eye to their collapse in form in recent months. They’re vulnerable, low in form, energy and confidence. Munster should win and it’ll be very disappointing if we don’t.
@Rochelle: they should win it comfortably. 2 weeks to prep, all the players well rested, desperate for a trophy and against a Leinster team (changes expected) that will be tired and underprepared. Can only see one winner here.
@Rochelle: ye haven’t a hope
@Rochelle: I feel sorry for you if you actually believe the bull you come out with.
@Chris Mc: 3 Munster fans starting a new thread talking about the media. Absolutely hilarious. Unless the media is writing tear jerkers about the Red Army following the liginds across Europe, they’ll be out moaning and whinging.
@grandslamkbo: I remember a time when you used to comment about rugby and you used to engage in actual rugby conversations. It’s a shame that that massive chip on your shoulder blinded you.
@grandslamkbo: look over all Leinster are the better side but there’s not much in it. It’s a massive game for both sides.
Leinster will want a pick me up and not let the whole season fizzle out in a week. Munster need to get over the semi final jinx. It’s nearly 10 season saying we’ll do it next year.
@Rochelle: so if Leinster are low in form, energy, confidence, vulnerable, where is that going to leave munster when they are beaten by about 15 points. Will you think about what you say man.
Let’s just hope we’re not talking about the ref come 5pm Saturday evening and who ever wins deserved it, looking forward to it, nice way to settle the season
Leinstrr lost that game by double scores, conceded 2 tries and scored one. Munster lost to saracens by double scores, conceded 2 tries and also scored one. There’s not as much between them as the media would have you as per usual believe. But if the brea9of the coaching ticket is as nasty as we’re hearing down here we could be very vulnerable.
@Kevin O’brien: that’s a very juvenile way of assessing the team’s. Leinster are alot stronger than Munster. Anyone with a rugby brain knows this
@Kevin O’brien: What’s being said about why Felix and Flannery leaving? Falling out with van graan?
@Kevin O’brien: Leinster begins with L and Munster begins with M. L is before M in the alphabet so Leinster are better. Leinster has 7 letters but Munster only have 6. However, Cork is in Munster and that’s a bigger county than any in Leinster. Also, the Rose of Tralee. Wow. All shows there isn’t much between them no matter what the D4 meeja is saying…..
@Anthony: They can only be assessed based on their most recent meeting Anto.. anyone with a brain knows matches aren’t won on paper
@grandslamkbo: you’re losing it ! Get help!
@Walter Obrien:
Will you ever stop this Constance trolling ::
My little man you always say the poster needs help ::but look at all your posts ::you are always saying ::GET HELP !!! You very funny little man !!
Mystic Mac predicts a Stander MOTM , POM going full Pocock at the breakdown , an Earls hat trick and Carberry 100% conversion rate with Murray returning to form.
@John Carey: apple really have gone to the dogs lately alright
The good news is that the the 4 teams left are the 4 that would most likely bring the biggest crowds to the final, which will make the final look bigger and better to future sponsors and TV companies.
@Kingshu: in the Munster/leinster pissing match there’ll be hardly a mention of yer lads, but best of luck in yer semi, I’ll be thrilled if ye beat glasgow
I’m just looking forward to the Final with two Irish teams contesting. I don’t really mind who we play :-)))
Jesus wept, there nothing but vitriol and bile in the comments section here!
Can we not just look forward to a class game, between 2 very good sides and hope its entertaining game with the best side winning in the end(and as said by someone else on here, it doesn’t come down to some sh$ty refereeing!)
And so it begins. Comment section over the next week or so is going to be a sh*tshow
Munster fans setting themselves up for a fall with a lot of the comments on here imho (im not from either province) .
Leinster by 7-10 seems fairly obvious to me.
Jim made a reference to a newspaper article
I think this is it !!
https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/munster-rugby/ewan-mackenna-munster-used-to-embody-everything-great-about-irish-sport-ut-those-days-are-long-gone-38053524.html
I think it will be a great game and very close ::some of the best Irish players contesting the chance to play ULSTER in the final::: Very little about them but they are playing very well at present but the home advantage is hard to get over.
COYBIW COYBIR COYBIB