MUNSTER PLAYERS DOWN the years have often spoken of the sense of unity they feel with supporters on big days in Thomond Park.
A perfect example of that togetherness was in full view in the 66th minute yesterday when the stadium rose as one to applaud as Paul O’Connell and Peter O’Mahony departed the scene once the fifth try had been scored.
The ovation was most definitely shared by the two pack leaders, the captain of Ireland and the captain of Munster.
O’Mahony has taken up the responsibility of leading his province in a season which could easily have been given the dreaded ‘transition’ tag after Ronan O’Gara’s retirement. Made captain before his 24th birthday, O’Mahony barely flinched and has grown into the role rather than let it weigh him down.
“He leads from the front in everything he does,” said O’Connell, “he leads with his work-rate and physicality and aggression.
“He’s a very easy guy to follow and I think that’s what our supporters like and that’s what the players like, so it’s been really enjoyable playing under him for the past few months.”
The blindside was set a major test of his decision-making skills as captain yesterday when, with the score still just 5 – 3, he declined the option of a kickable 15th minute penalty in favour of taking a big step toward the bonus point.
O’Mahony did seek O’Connell’s counsel before declining two further penalties, a vote of confidence for the decision and a sign Munster would not fudge the issue by taking a backward step to three points.
The reward came with Johne Murphy side-stepping his way under the posts, but it was fitting that it was O’Mahony who burned off three tacklers in five metres to seal the bonus point before the hour mark.
“He’s a great ball carrier, he’s hard to put down he’s a great man to get you over the gain-line. If he gets his hands on the ball close to the line he’s always a good bet to score,” O’Connell adds of the man who will also play a vital role in Ireland’s Six Nations campaign.
“He has massive respect from all the team, young and old, because of what he does on the pitch.”
And O’Mahony’s attitude on the pitch is precisely what those in the stand identify with in this Munster side.
Defoe will run riot up there
@Blackie Connors: how can he run riot from the bench?
@Blackie Connors: Not Sure , Celtic still 1/5 to win the league . He is 36 BTW and scored feck all in the last few years.
@Blackie Connors: Rangers are going to go broke again at this rate.
The desperation to stop 8 in a row continues.
This should be a good signing for Rangers. He’s more than good enough for Scotland.
@Stephen Foster: yeah he’s so good for Scottish football that he will mostly sit on the bench.
We heard this before about Championship POTY joey Barton, Bruno Alves, Niko Krancjar the list could go on. They were going to boss Scottish football and all failed miserably.
@Ciaran Rice: Defoe is different quality to them players mentioned.
@irishoverseas: again, the list isn’t exhaustive.
if he’s different quality then why will he be on the bench? Defoe is 36 and has been bought to replace Lafferty as a more effective option off the bench.
@Ciaran Rice: how do you know he’s gonna be on the bench ?
@irishoverseas: Stephen Gerrards Rangers play 433 with one central striker flanked by two wingers to support attacks. He isn’t taking the place of their best player who has scored 20 goals this season. He isn’t a winger either. To play Defoe and Morelos would mean a complete change to their formation and system. I don’t see that happening.
The Rangers problem is that Morelos is the only one that scores goals and when he doesn’t play they struggle to score. Lafferty is not trusted by Gerrard and rarely gets off the bench. Defoe has clearly been brought in as an option off the bench or to replace Morelos when he is inevitably suspended or picks up an injury.
@Ciaran Rice: so sounds like a great signing then. If you need a goal in the last 30 mins not many are as great a Defoe. Id say ever club in Scotland would take him.
@irishoverseas: as I said. It might turn out to be a decent option off the bench but like the other English Journeymen who have come to the SPFL he may well be a flop.
If Celtic had signed Defoe I would be feckin livid. I also think Motherwell signing Ross McCormack is a better piece of business.
@Ciaran Rice: so when Celtic signed journey men like Robbie Keane and Craig Bellamy were you not happy or excited?
@Ciaran Rice: also Ross McCormack is joke very unprofessional look at his time at Villa
@irishoverseas: Robbie Keane and Craig Bellamy were 29 and 26 years old when they played for Celtic. Celtic didn’t win the league those years either.
@irishoverseas: look at Defoe’s time at Bournemouth. Barely kicked a ball in a year and is 36. McCormack is 30 I think and is going to a side to be a starter and who are in need of goals. He could be their answer.
Tends to score on his debut. If he gets game time he’ll do well over there.
Might be a decent option to come off the bench for The Rangers to give Morelos a rest or they are expecting to sell Morelos in this window and don’t want to have to rely on Lafferty as their main striker.
@Ciaran Rice: or just fill in when he is suspended if he ever gets one again
There are those who will say he is well past it but Ian Wright was the same age when he went to Celtic and look how that wen… Oh wait a minute. There have too many players well past their best who presume Scotland will be like shooting fish in a barrel but it does not always work out like that.
@Patrick Ryan: I had blocked Ian Wright’s signing from my memory. Was beyond woeful at Celtic.
@Ciaran Rice: Remember Dion Dublin’s 5 month spell in ’06 as Chris Sutton temp replacement.. :)
@Andy Mahony: Dublins spell was much better than Ian Wright’s. Wright was god awful. Dublin could at least come on and help see a game out and chip in with the odd goal.
Great signing. Not many managers would attracted him up there
Don’t be surprised if Moreles sold after this signing. Rangers still in desperate need of cash.
Stupid Article , Says this “Celtic, clear of Gerrard’s side at the top of the table only on goal difference, for the title.” Mentions Goal Difference and leaves out the fact Celtic have a game in hand,,,,,,,,,,,