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Cronin glad to be back in thick of it as Leinster 'stick to their guns' to thwart Munster

The hooker made an impact in Thomond Park last night after working his way back from a neck injury.

IT DIDN’T QUITE turn out to be the curtain-closing, lights-out hit.

Yet when Munster lock Darren O’Shea spun his wheels to make a big carry underneath the Leinster posts in Thomond Park last night, it felt like the inter-pro was settled when Sean Cronin met him square and low to power him back a metre beyond the gainline.

“I think I had a bit of help,” Cronin said post-match, leaving credit at the door of the relentless Will Connors.

leinster-players-celebrate-after-the-game Leinster celebrate the final whistle. Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

On a night when Leinster extended their own streak and ended Munster’s 21-match unbeaten run at Thomond Park – a stretch going back to the eastern province’s last win in Limerick on St Stephen’s Day two years ago – it was fitting that Cronin would shine the spotlight on the collective.

However, there was a score of sweet personal notes for the hooker. Not just because he will stay in Limerick and hold bragging rights over his younger brother Neil after they played against each other for the very first time, but because that big impact came in his second match back from the neck injury that had sidelined him since the pool phase of the World Cup.

“That was a bit more open,” the hooker jokes of the 96-point shoot-out win over Ulster, “tonight was a more of a different hit-out, (one) I probably needed. I felt a tiny bit off the pace with that kind of stuff so it was pleasing to get that under the belt. Just glad to be back, a frustrating time with an injury like that so it’s really pleasing.”

He may have felt off the pace, but Cronin hit his markers at set-piece at crucial junctures and his impact off the bench clearly helped Leinster slog their way over the finish line to a 6-13 win.

andy-farrell Andy Farrell watches from the stands. Bryan Keane / INPHO Bryan Keane / INPHO / INPHO

“Massive hit,” said head coach Leo Cullen, who lingered on the positive of a dogged defensive effort to keep Munster try-less after last weekend’s free-for-all against Ulster.

“That fight for each other at the end was the most pleasing. Last week (against Ulster), the last 20 minutes of the game we lost 28-7 – four tries to one – it really felt like we had lost that game even though it was a bonus point-win.

“It’s the manner of the game and overall scheme of the performance that’s most important to us.  We know parts of that performance weren’t perfect today, but at least there was a better dig-in for each other.”

That said, Cullen also brought up a caveat to the defensive effort, on a windswept night in Limerick it proved far more difficult to attack effectively that to defend.

It was almost like having two extra defenders with the wind. So defence was on top for most of the game. It was hard breaking both defences down ultimately.

“Lots of endeavour from both sets of players, but probably lacked a bit of cutting edge quality from both teams.

“To get a win down here is fantastic. A lot of young guys out there, they dig in at the end, that’s the most pleasing piece.

“Wave after wave it’s pick-and-go, close-quarter stuff, but at least we were getting bodies in the way to stop the ball-carrier with latches and all the other bits.”

For Johann van Graan, there was immense frustration after seeing ‘wave after wave’ crash on blue rocks. The South African raised an eyebrow at how the visitors managed to avoid an offside penalty during Munster’s late onslaught, but for the most part he was left lamenting an inability to sneak through the suffocating Leinster defence.

“It’s a quality side and that’s why they’re the champions I guess,” said Van Graan.

“I thought they handled the big moments better. We were in it until the last play of the game and unfortunately, we lost a line-out there on the goal line. Very frustrating, but well done to them.”

And there weren’t many moments bigger than Cronin’s. After missing out on an invite to Andy Farrell’s mini-camp in Abbotstown last weekend, he will hope to continue ramping his form back up to Test level while Ronan Kelleher recovers from a wrist injury. 

“It was good fronting up from everybody on the pitch at that stage, Munster were really piling the pressure on us but we stuck to our guns,” said the Limerick man who will take on another team from his past next weekend.

sean-cronin-and-devin-toner-celebrate-after-the-game Cronin and Devin Toner celebrate the win in Limerick. Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

“I don’t think anyone really jumped out of the system. We probably could have exited better when we did get turnovers or even had set-piece exits with line-outs, mauls and scrums.

“So it was really pleasing just to have that super effort towards the end, just to battle to try and keep them out. And there are areas we can work on for the next day going forward for Connacht.”

A New Year ahead, but Leinster are threatening to sustain the same old winning habit week in, week out.

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    Mute Sean Fahey
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    Dec 29th 2019, 8:07 AM

    Munster controlled possession reasonably well with low risk, one out runners taking the ball up to the line and into contact, but they could still be out there and they wouldn’t get over the line. The difference in attitude from Leinster in the second half playing the conditions, they weren’t afraid to spread it wide and have a crack. It really was the two core philosophies of each province on display, up the jumper versus expansive rugby and sadly for Munster, the game has long since moved on from up the jumper rugby as the primary focus of attack.

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    Mute Kevin O'brien
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    Dec 29th 2019, 9:19 AM

    @Sean Fahey: your talking shit. The difference was minimal between the two teams. Leinstrr got the try and munster didn’t take their chance. It was two B teams but leinstrr have more squad players when you look at Vardy, Toner vs wycherly and Holland your looking at probably 100 caps vs 1 international cap. Look at Byrne vs Jj or James low the incumbent irish winger. There is no issue with philosophy (puke) or anything else but leinstrr have the bigger squad and the gap is disappearing. Last week munster A beat leinstrr a in Dublin.

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    Mute Peter Brophy
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    Dec 29th 2019, 9:27 AM

    @Kevin O’brien: your spell check must have given up

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    Mute Ravensburger
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    Dec 29th 2019, 9:30 AM

    @Sean Fahey: That a good analysis Sean. Leinster just looked far more comfortable playing with and without the ball. Munster were the same as they have been for a long time now, clueless.

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    Mute Ravensburger
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    Dec 29th 2019, 9:31 AM

    @Kevin O’brien: Need a hug hun?

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    Mute BMJF
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    Dec 29th 2019, 9:45 AM

    @Kevin O’brien: ??

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    Mute JJ Doyle
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    Dec 29th 2019, 9:50 AM

    @Kevin O’brien: In the Munster A game v Leinster A. Munster had a much more stronger side out than Leinster like Darren O’Shea, Jack O’Sullivan, both of whom played yesterday. Alex wootton also played who has played and started for Munster on some of their big European games. Where as Leinster had the likes of Tim Corkery , Josh O’Connor and young players who aren’t even in the main academy yet. There was definitely an experience issue in that game for Leinster . It seemed to me anyway like Munster were purely going out there to win and nothing else but Leinster were trying players in a intense match situation

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    Mute Kevin O'brien
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    Dec 29th 2019, 9:51 AM

    @Ravensburger: I feel the love dude! But must decline the offer of a hug, lest it’s your sister or Stacy s Mom!

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    Mute JJ Doyle
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    Dec 29th 2019, 9:57 AM

    @Kevin O’brien: In the Munster A game v Leinster A game Munster had a stronger side out like Darren O’Shea , jack O’Sullivan both of whom played yesterday also Alex wootton who has played and started in some of Munster big European games. Where as Leinster had the like of Tim Corkery and Josh O’Connor etc players of aren’t even in the academy yet. It felt like to me Munster were out there for one reason to win nothing else which is fine. Leinster however were out there to give players a run in intense match situations.

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    Mute Pseud O'Nym
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    Dec 29th 2019, 9:57 AM

    @Kevin O’brien: are you still drunk, Kevin? Look, Munster reverted to 1990s style one-off running and against a lot of teams they would have scored a try or two. How many times did Munster put the ball out the backs? Twice? Three times? Leinster defended hard around the fringes and that was the difference. The one time Munster needed to do the same they folded.
    Now, big drink of water and off back to bed with you. Don’t be getting in the car.

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    Mute JJ Doyle
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    Dec 29th 2019, 9:58 AM

    @Kevin O’brien: In the Munster A game v Leinster A game Munster had a stronger side out like Darren O’Shea , jack O’Sullivan both of whom played yesterday also Alex Wootton
    who has played and started in some of Munster big European games. Where as Leinster had the like of Tim Corkery and Josh O’Connor etc players of aren’t even in the academy yet. It felt like to me Munster were out there for one reason to win nothing else which is fine. Leinster however were out there to give players a run in intense match situations.

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    Mute Kevin O'brien
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    Dec 29th 2019, 10:00 AM

    @Pseud O’Nym: keep telling yourself that. Keep believing the gap is big. Pride comes b4 the fall.

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    Mute JJ Doyle
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    Dec 29th 2019, 10:02 AM

    @Kevin O’brien: sorry posted twice

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    Mute Pseud O'Nym
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    Dec 29th 2019, 10:08 AM

    @Kevin O’brien: nice clichés, never said anything about a perceived gap though. On another night Munster might have executed on some of their chances and won. Or Leinster would have done the same and pulled away.

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    Mute Sean Fahey
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    Dec 29th 2019, 10:20 AM

    @Kevin O’brien: Hi Kevin, nice to meet you and I appreciate the feedback. Mike Haley, Joey Carbery, Tommy O’Donnell, Chris Colette, Dave Kilcoyne, Rory Scannell, Tommy O’Donnell. By my count Munster had half their best possible team out there and Leinster 3rds have been winning in Thomond for years. Players like Ringrose and Larmour announced themselves on the big stage in this very fixture. There is no gap Kevin, there’s a chasm.

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    Mute Sean Fahey
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    Dec 29th 2019, 10:22 AM

    @Sean Fahey: oops, mentioned O’Donnell twice, could well have O’Donoghue instead I suppose.

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    Mute Dave O Keeffe
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    Dec 29th 2019, 10:48 AM

    @Pseud O’Nym: well you seem to be saying munster had the better chances and Leinster only had one but they converted it. On that it would seem munster had the better strategy they just executed it poorly

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    Mute Oval Digest
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    Dec 29th 2019, 11:03 AM

    @Sean Fahey: That’s a good summary I think Sean. Munster revered to type under pressure. I think there has been some evolvement in their attacking approach this year, but last night and against Sarries they relied on the old gameplan of big carries in tight.

    This thread tells a story – https://twitter.com/rugbycology/status/1211166846436528135

    When Leinster were playing against the wind they trusted their skills to hold onto the ball and play down the clock, even with a rookie at 9.

    Munster were a bit less open to risk and kicked a lot more, which basically handed possession back to Leinster with a wind.

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    Mute Pseud O'Nym
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    Dec 29th 2019, 11:06 AM

    @Dave O Keeffe: don’t know if I’d go that far. Munster had one strategy – bish-bash-bosh – that was frustrated by Leinster’s solidity in close defence. There was no Plan B e.g. pass it beyond OH occasionally, so Leinster could soak it up all night. Leinster tried a few different options, but made some errors so didn’t capitalise on them. Even the try was set up by the Leinster backs cutting open the Munster defence, before the pack took over close to the line.

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    Mute John Buckley
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    Dec 29th 2019, 2:11 PM

    @Sean Fahey: how are JOD, TOD and Cloete all part off the best possible team. POM and Stander are 1st choice. Even Beirne and Botha have been ahead of them recently. Munster started a maximum of 4 of their best team, a long way from half. Leinster probably had at least 4 of their best team starting, far from their 3rd team.

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    Mute Pseud O'Nym
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    Dec 29th 2019, 2:22 PM

    @John Buckley: based on how he played last night JOD *should* be part of Munster’s “best” team, but a sacred cow might need to be dropped to make room.

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    Mute Paddy
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    Dec 29th 2019, 2:23 PM

    @Sean Fahey: I’d add in the constant box kicking in the first half, into a heavy wind that reaped no reward but was still used again and again.

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    Mute Robert Kennedy
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    Dec 29th 2019, 3:04 PM

    @Sean Fahey:
    spot on !

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    Mute Robert Kennedy
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    Dec 29th 2019, 3:07 PM

    @Kevin O’brien:

    From a Munster fan who was at the game….we were 2nd best..afraid to play expansive rugby and the old battering ram game has had it. Leinster move the ball wide at every opportunity and look exciting…We Don’t…thats the difference.

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    Mute Eoin Murphy
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    Dec 29th 2019, 4:27 PM

    @Kevin O’brien: jamie vardys havin a party

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    Mute acallkelly
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    Dec 29th 2019, 4:47 PM

    @Kevin O’brien: why did you keep spelling Leinster incorrectly, use predictive text Munsterhead

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    Mute Kathleen O Connor
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    Dec 30th 2019, 9:39 PM

    @JJ Doyle: stop the moaning

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    Mute Sam Harms
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    Dec 29th 2019, 9:17 AM

    Where’s the story about the Leinster women’s team beating Harlequins 47-26 in Twickenham? Seems strange to have an article about the game before it but not one about the actual game! Need more Connacht, Ulster and women’s rugby articles!

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    Mute Paully kelly
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    Dec 29th 2019, 9:37 AM

    @Sam Harms: Well said, can’t argue with that now

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    Mute Darren Byrne
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    Dec 29th 2019, 10:12 AM

    @Sam Harms: the articles on Ulster generally only get a few thousand views, they’re actually sourced from the Belfast telegraph which is where most people go if interested in Ulster. Ask the author if this does he think he get the views needed to keep his job if he put the effort required into covering Ulster and connacht instead of Munster and Leinster

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    Mute JJ's Wattage
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    Dec 29th 2019, 10:16 AM

    @Sam Harms: pretty sure you have the score right, but the result wrong. Harlequins won that game I thought…..

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    Mute De Zach Same
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    Dec 29th 2019, 10:46 AM

    @Sam Harms: nobody cares.

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    Mute Myles Collier
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    Dec 29th 2019, 12:12 PM

    @Darren Byrne: thats a bad attitude to have. Journalism should be about reporting the important and interesting news

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    Mute Darren Byrne
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    Dec 29th 2019, 12:18 PM

    @Myles Collier: Can’t report anything if they go out of business

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    Mute Mark
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    Dec 29th 2019, 1:56 PM

    @Sam Harms: bit embarrassing that you don’t even know who won

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    Mute Dave O Keeffe
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    Dec 29th 2019, 2:16 PM

    @Myles Collier: important and interesting equals getting views.

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    Mute Sam Harms
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    Dec 29th 2019, 3:43 PM

    @Mark: meh it was early and I read the caption wrong. Doesn’t change the fact that there should have been a report on it considering how historic the game was.

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    Mute Peter Brophy
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    Dec 29th 2019, 7:06 AM

    That photo looks like Gandalf with a hobbit.

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    Mute Seán O'Brien
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    Dec 29th 2019, 1:18 PM

    Couple of observations…
    1. Jimmy O’Brien’s tackle technique is amazing, for a smaller man he gets his opposite number to ground and very rarely missed anyone.
    2. Doris has been using that pick and go from the base of the ruck a lot. I hope he’s trying to just keep the defence honest with it but he nearly lost possession by getting isolated a few times. For all the rightful chat about him coming through there is still a gap between himself and Stander, in terms of brute force amongst other aspects. Wouldn’t rule out Stander at 6 for Ireland though.
    3. The chop tackle technique is giving Leinster players a legitimate reason to end up on the wrong side of the ruck and slow things down, potentially offering a window for the jackal.
    4. Ross Byrne varied his game nicely by taking it to the line a few times. Great extra string added to the bow.
    5. Osbourne played very well and would have appeared to have skipped ahead of O’Sullivan and Patterson. Needs to work on the box kicks though.
    6. Kevin O’Byrne has come on in a huge way this year. Not missing Marshall half as much as I thought they would be.
    7. Adam Byrne is playing in a fairly stilted fashion, overran the support line for Byrne in the first half, didn’t provide the extra pair of hands on the overlap in the second…he has all the physical qualities to be an elite player but just a little low on confidence.
    8. Delighted Lowe was trying that pass at the end of the game, hoping the Irish psyche doesn’t knock that stuff out of him.

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    Mute Oval Digest
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    Dec 29th 2019, 1:23 PM

    @Seán O’Brien: Brilliant analysis, would agree with all of that.

    On the Doris pick, it’s a brilliant part of his arsenal and was used to great effect against Northampton but I agree he shouldn’t try to overkill it.

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    Mute Oval Digest
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    Dec 29th 2019, 1:25 PM

    By the by, this is the sort of good stuff we get in this comment section when the usual suspects aren’t around trolling and generally trying to provoke reactions.

    The comments today and yesterday have been fine. Civil and with good debate.

    I wonder why that is…

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    Mute Seán O'Brien
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    Dec 29th 2019, 1:49 PM

    @Oval Digest: I’m hoping it is some sort of long term bluff where he fakes it in a big game and it forces someone to over-commit. On a side note I think Ulster will be looking seriously at this Munster game as a chance to show that they are now pushing them as the second best team in Ireland. They have shown more growth in one and a half years than Munster have in over two years with Van Graan.

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    Mute Oval Digest
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    Dec 29th 2019, 2:00 PM

    @Seán O’Brien: Ulster had a longer distance to travel in fairness but I agree McFarland is doing a stellar job so far.

    Jury is still out on JVG for me. Not sure he has moved Munster on despite all the investment.

    Having said that next year is the year for them with two big new signings and Larkham/Rowntree bedded in. If they can’t win a trophy then questions deserve to be asked.

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    Mute Stephen Duffy
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    Dec 29th 2019, 3:56 PM

    @Oval Digest: has your comment not tried to provoke reaction??

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    Mute Oval Digest
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    Dec 29th 2019, 4:11 PM

    @Stephen Duffy: Not at all Stephen. In fact I said it was great that we can keep the conversation civil, as unbiased as possible and focused on the rugby.

    Wouldn’t you agree?

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    Mute Peter McCarthy
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    Dec 29th 2019, 6:49 PM

    @Seán O’Brien: Superb analysis, more of it please. And agree with pretty much all of it. Hate to nit pick as it’s kind of childish but I’m not sure it’s fair to pass judgement on Osborne’s box kicking in that wind. Almost impossible to do with any accuracy. Agree that comments section has been of a pretty good recently. The mute button certainly helps with that.

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    Mute Mark
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    Dec 29th 2019, 9:31 PM

    @Seán O’Brien: agree completely with those first 7 points but lowes offload was ridiclous 13-6 up with 5 mins left there is no reason to try that pass in our own 22 if the Munster player has caught it they would of scored. He also made another stupid error or 2 but yes he is a fantastic player and I love his offloading just not that risky.

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    Mute Chris Mc
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    Dec 30th 2019, 2:07 PM

    @Oval Digest: it’s really depends it Doris picks without those around him knowing what he’s doing, its going to be hard to get support to him on time if they are expecting a different play, but if the flankers and 10/12 know he’s picking they should get there to clear out. He also has the responsibility to stay on his feet long enough for them to get there and when he hits the ground fight for good body position and placement. Personally I love to see an 8 picking from the base and charging at the 10.

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    Mute ger gavin
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    Dec 29th 2019, 11:59 AM

    Bash bash bash , carberry got the ball twice in last 30 phases , poor display

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    Mute And_Helipad
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    Dec 29th 2019, 11:46 AM

    WC disaster forgotten about

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    Mute Sean Fahey
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    Dec 29th 2019, 5:43 PM

    @And_Helipad: Hi and, thanks for stopping by. Whilst Ireland, Leinster and Munster all play the same sport, they are different teams that play in different competitions and while our national team certainly did have a disaster at the World Cup, these two teams share 6 European Cups, the same amount as Liverpool in football. You don’t stop showing up to your barstool to support them every time England don’t win the World Cup, do you?

    Don’t feel threatened, rugby is a great sport and the only one in the country where you can watch local professional teams with some of the best players in the world take on and beat some of the biggest clubs in the world.

    I can get you a ticket to the next game in the RDS and I’ll even buy you a pint. Serious offer.

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    Mute And_Helipad
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    Dec 29th 2019, 5:55 PM

    @Sean Fahey: Nice measured reply Sean. I’ll decline thanks anyway

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    Mute Danger
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    Dec 29th 2019, 11:52 AM

    Cronin’s dart were shaky

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    Mute thesaltyurchin
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    Dec 29th 2019, 5:45 PM

    We’re still (a thousand seasons on) better off without the ball, we have no idea what to do with it. Poor JJ never got the memo about bringing some ideas to the table and Haleys’ comet seems only to crash land metre before the gain line every time! On the up side Jack O Sullivan looked great, if he played at Leinster he’d be in the Irish squad but we’re literally only coming around to giving talented young players a shot (that old shtuck in the mud gem), Daly is holding his own through a decent run of games, same for Wycherley, joey definitely a cut above, hopefully he can stay injury free for a longer than 20 minutes. still tho, cant score wont score.

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