Sunday, April 11, 2010
Munster too good for Northampton Saints at Thomond Park
Doug Howlett scored twice while Paul Warwick and Jean De Villiers scored a try a piece. Jon Clarke scored for Saints as they shot to a 16-13 halftime lead, but some masterful kicking from Ronan OGara eventually kept them out the game.
OGara played a crucial role in the win despite not having his best kicking day as he kicked five out of his eight attempts. Munster coach Tony McGahan acknowledged the flyhalfs efforts as he wore down the Saints vigor.
"Ronan was fantastic - he was at his best with his game management," he said. "He controlled everything and that was a big part of our game. We needed him."
British & Irish Lions captain Paul OConnell wasnt available to play as he withdrew shortly before kick off with a groin problem, but the side managed without him.
"Relief is my initial reaction, especially after last week's result. The players were superb. We were very composed," said McGahan. "The forwards were tremendous as they have been under scrutiny all season. Following the loss of Paul we needed to step up to the mark and we did that. Mick O'Driscoll was excellent coming in for Paul," he added.
You can discuss in greater detail and leave your thoughts on the forum thread here .
Time: 05:04
Note: Better quality highlights will replace these if possible.
Posted at 5:31 pm | 41 comments
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Viewing 41 comments
Mike April 11, 2010 4:38 pm
A few other thoughts - look how the team mob De Villiers after his score. He'll be missed when he heads home to SA.
Also, the Munster scrum - aside from the one in the clip where they conceded a penalty - seemed to be well on top. What gives?
Also, the Munster scrum - aside from the one in the clip where they conceded a penalty - seemed to be well on top. What gives?
Kearney for tests April 11, 2010 6:17 pm
Munster were excellent. They seem to be the team to beat, and I'm confident about the trip to Biarritz. But Ronan O'Gara, would you ever just learn how to tackle? I mean really, you've been playing the sport for probably 20 years. It's very difficult for a defence when they only have 14 people who can tackle.
USA6 April 11, 2010 7:31 pm
If im not mistaken, munster is the most stacked team in the tournament
mise April 11, 2010 8:42 pm
re o gara's tackling: at least, this time, he managed to slow down the ball carrier!!!
But yea, the scrum was excellent. Fair play. Munster def have the slightly easier run in compared to Leinster.
Still, L have gone to Toulouse before......
But yea, the scrum was excellent. Fair play. Munster def have the slightly easier run in compared to Leinster.
Still, L have gone to Toulouse before......
Jose April 11, 2010 9:13 pm
USA6 -
What do you mean when you say 'stacked'? There's a lot of things Munster are the most of in the tournamnet. 'Fanatical' is one word that springs to mind.
What do you mean when you say 'stacked'? There's a lot of things Munster are the most of in the tournamnet. 'Fanatical' is one word that springs to mind.
Greiffel April 11, 2010 9:38 pm
^ Good question. When did it happen? I missed it.
Ireland for WC 2011 April 11, 2010 10:05 pm
@mike
the rugby panel on rte 2 made an interesting point regarding munsters scrummaging:when paul o connell didnt play,it improved immeasureably.also remember when POC was sin-binned aginst perpignan,the 7man munster scrum turned the ball over in his absence. a flaw in the big man's game that nobody saw,perhaps!
the rugby panel on rte 2 made an interesting point regarding munsters scrummaging:when paul o connell didnt play,it improved immeasureably.also remember when POC was sin-binned aginst perpignan,the 7man munster scrum turned the ball over in his absence. a flaw in the big man's game that nobody saw,perhaps!
Phil April 11, 2010 10:48 pm
Northampton put up a good fight and played well but Munster were too good in the end. Even when the Saints were ahead and piling the pressure on, Munster oozed confidence and class. good match though
mise April 11, 2010 11:48 pm
Re POC:
Dougie came into the scrum, and quinlan went into lock - that was it wasn't it, for the previous Northhampton game?
And, they were on the line, against the head, and won the vital scrum. Interesting theory that.
Dougie came into the scrum, and quinlan went into lock - that was it wasn't it, for the previous Northhampton game?
And, they were on the line, against the head, and won the vital scrum. Interesting theory that.
Les Bleus April 12, 2010 1:23 am
Congratulations Munster, you really bought your victory here today.
Try scorers
Warwick (Australian)
De Villiers (South African)
Howlett 2 (New Zealand)
You really did ''earn'' your victory!
Try scorers
Warwick (Australian)
De Villiers (South African)
Howlett 2 (New Zealand)
You really did ''earn'' your victory!
Anonymous April 12, 2010 1:50 am
^Yeah, Munster are just full of foreigners. Unlike Northampton with their 8 non-Englishmen in the starting 15, or in France where they but in everyone, even crap English players.
Mike April 12, 2010 7:24 am
Les Blues - yes, it is quite funny that the 3 try scorers were the three non-Irish guys who started!
Irish teams tend to have few international players as a policy - so when they do get them, they get good ones. De Viliers and Howlett, for example :)
Irish teams tend to have few international players as a policy - so when they do get them, they get good ones. De Viliers and Howlett, for example :)
n best April 12, 2010 8:12 am
where is mr McRae when you need him
best way to stop that o'gara i reckon
best way to stop that o'gara i reckon
Anonymous April 12, 2010 9:08 am
On the day there was the non-Irish players in the starting 15 and they happened to touch down the four tries. So what? It's not like these tries were solo runs from inside their own half.
If you actually look at the tries rather than the names attached to them, the common factor in all four is a dominant (all-Irish) Munster pack sucking all the Northampton forwards into a ruck, maul or scrum, and some fantastic distribution from O'Leary. Earls and O'Gara were also instrumental in the first and second tries respectively.
Having said that, DeV ran a beautiful line for the third and Howlett did a great job to wrestle his way into the corner for his first.
But to suggest that Munster have "bought" their success is ludicrous, especially coming from a French man (Stade, Toulon, Racing, Clermont anyone?)
Stade showed yesterday what happens to teams that are all money and no soul when they come up against a team with genuine class.
Munster attracts great overseas players because they are a great team, not the other way round.
P.S. All credit to Northampton, they really pushed Munster to the pin of their collar over three games where lesser teams have folded. All the best to them for the the Premiership.
If you actually look at the tries rather than the names attached to them, the common factor in all four is a dominant (all-Irish) Munster pack sucking all the Northampton forwards into a ruck, maul or scrum, and some fantastic distribution from O'Leary. Earls and O'Gara were also instrumental in the first and second tries respectively.
Having said that, DeV ran a beautiful line for the third and Howlett did a great job to wrestle his way into the corner for his first.
But to suggest that Munster have "bought" their success is ludicrous, especially coming from a French man (Stade, Toulon, Racing, Clermont anyone?)
Stade showed yesterday what happens to teams that are all money and no soul when they come up against a team with genuine class.
Munster attracts great overseas players because they are a great team, not the other way round.
P.S. All credit to Northampton, they really pushed Munster to the pin of their collar over three games where lesser teams have folded. All the best to them for the the Premiership.
Anonymous April 12, 2010 9:28 am
McRae is a fat tosser who Judas punched ROG from behind. What a looser and a fucking coward, and yes I would say it to his face. With regard to the forigners in the Mun squad, what fucking planed are ye on? So munster would not have scored tries without them? Ha ha what a joke their tries were walk ins, all the hard work had been done by the Irish players in fairness. Stop trying to turn this into another boring pathetic NH v SH debate ffs.
Tom
Tom
Shane April 12, 2010 9:59 am
Some hands by Doug for his second try, what a hero!
Anonymous April 12, 2010 11:27 am
Hey Les Bleus, do you live on the sun? Every team that competes at the top level has great players from where ever they can get them. From rugby to football to tiddley winks - look in the mirror - African players who don't sing the anthem? playing on the french team ring a bell....
Anonymous April 12, 2010 3:02 pm
Munster had a great first ten and last twenty. Was at the match and the crowd were amazing. Would like to see mafi's hit again thou. Cracker.
Re: Paul O' Connell theory. Same Munster Pack v Northampton struggled against Leinster at scrum time da week before and have done previous to that. I can't explain why it was so good but hats off to Horan, the Bull Hayes and Flannery.
Re: Paul O' Connell theory. Same Munster Pack v Northampton struggled against Leinster at scrum time da week before and have done previous to that. I can't explain why it was so good but hats off to Horan, the Bull Hayes and Flannery.
Jerry April 12, 2010 6:51 pm
I was at the game and the traveling support was fantastic, they really added to the atmosphere and without them the day would not have been so special. I honestly will be shouting for Northamton to go on a lift the Guinness Premiership. I hope all that travelled enjoyed their trip to Limerick and hopefully next time the sides meet ill make my way over to savour the Saints hospetality.
Munster's scrum was outstanding after the first 2 scrums.
RD can we get Mafi's huge hit?
Allez les rouge
Munster's scrum was outstanding after the first 2 scrums.
RD can we get Mafi's huge hit?
Allez les rouge
(u-p)rick April 12, 2010 9:27 pm
guys everyone ignore Les Bleus he is a c*ck who blatantly doesnt know how to play....has an awful outlook on life and is bitter because he is a turd....
As for munster, was a good performance....nice to see MUNSTER PLAYERS regardless of where they're from playing well....i was unaware of the rule stating that club teams shouldnt have different nationals playing within them!
As for munster, was a good performance....nice to see MUNSTER PLAYERS regardless of where they're from playing well....i was unaware of the rule stating that club teams shouldnt have different nationals playing within them!
ScottHill April 12, 2010 10:09 pm
I didn't see the game but Reihana was awful in defence for those two tries. great rugby overall what a weekend to be at a wedding!!
Les Bleus April 13, 2010 2:49 pm
Doesn't know how to play? I bet I'm the only professional player who posts on this.
miner April 13, 2010 4:14 pm
Ashton and Foden both had pretty good games, I thought. Hopefully they get called up for England more and more.
And say what you will about O'Gara's tackling - everyone knows it, so it's nothing new - but he had a pretty good game, tactically.
Munster played almost the opposite of how they did against Leinster the other week; they remembered that they had talented backs and decided to use them.
Re: Les Bleus - you're absolutely right in that the scorers were all SH boys (is there really any debate that the SH breeds good players? -- they're not French, so I don't know why you're so smug), but who were the ones who were the direct assists for the tries? Earls (Warwick), O'Gara (Howlett), O'Leary (PdV), O'Leary (Howlett). Munster played well as a team this match, and I think that's all that mattered.
And say what you will about O'Gara's tackling - everyone knows it, so it's nothing new - but he had a pretty good game, tactically.
Munster played almost the opposite of how they did against Leinster the other week; they remembered that they had talented backs and decided to use them.
Re: Les Bleus - you're absolutely right in that the scorers were all SH boys (is there really any debate that the SH breeds good players? -- they're not French, so I don't know why you're so smug), but who were the ones who were the direct assists for the tries? Earls (Warwick), O'Gara (Howlett), O'Leary (PdV), O'Leary (Howlett). Munster played well as a team this match, and I think that's all that mattered.
Les Bleus April 13, 2010 5:04 pm
Munster didn't beat Northampton, a bunch of players did. The Munster that beat the All Blacks, that is something to be proud of. These days, teams don't represent you or their province, they represent their pay cheque. I will never support a French team as they are the worst of the lot, nearly all up and coming talent go to Toulouse and it gets boring.
Curry cup and NPC, the two true competitions left and even then with the Curry cup people go here and there and everywhere. Bryan Habana? Jaque Fourie? Jacques-Louis Potgieter? Zane Kirchner?
People just play for their money, I preferred rugby under the amatuer era, because the rugby was more about passion.
Saracens didn't beat South Africa, nor did Leicester Tigers, because they are full of foriegners.
Curry cup and NPC, the two true competitions left and even then with the Curry cup people go here and there and everywhere. Bryan Habana? Jaque Fourie? Jacques-Louis Potgieter? Zane Kirchner?
People just play for their money, I preferred rugby under the amatuer era, because the rugby was more about passion.
Saracens didn't beat South Africa, nor did Leicester Tigers, because they are full of foriegners.
Anonymous April 13, 2010 7:09 pm
@Les Bleus..those 3 were the only over seas players that started ...the other 12 were all Irish.
Huh!! the 3rd April 13, 2010 7:47 pm
Actually, thanks les blues for starting up the subject, I was going to ask the question, 'did Munster ever score 4 tries without an Irish player scoring?'.
Also, did anyone see Kruger taking out O'Gara right on the 80min mark. Disgraceful. Whatever happened in the previous ruck didn't include ROG, who was in the 13 channel. When Buckley charged clear ROG moved into 10 to recieve the ball from Stringer and Kruger shoulder charges him from behind. Thats why Stringer went blind side to Ronan and the commentators thought Munster were trying to score again. Ironically the one player you'd expect to defend ROG, O'Callaghan, thought about going after him, but the camera changed and you don't get to see the outcome.
Suppose its what happens when teams meet 3 times in a season. The beauty of thee HC.
Also, did anyone see Kruger taking out O'Gara right on the 80min mark. Disgraceful. Whatever happened in the previous ruck didn't include ROG, who was in the 13 channel. When Buckley charged clear ROG moved into 10 to recieve the ball from Stringer and Kruger shoulder charges him from behind. Thats why Stringer went blind side to Ronan and the commentators thought Munster were trying to score again. Ironically the one player you'd expect to defend ROG, O'Callaghan, thought about going after him, but the camera changed and you don't get to see the outcome.
Suppose its what happens when teams meet 3 times in a season. The beauty of thee HC.
Paul Gormley April 13, 2010 8:53 pm
mike said: "Also, the Munster scrum - aside from the one in the clip where they conceded a penalty - seemed to be well on top. What gives?"
ireland for wc 2011 said "the rugby panel on rte 2 made an interesting point regarding munsters scrummaging:when paul o connell didnt play,it improved immeasureably.also remember when POC was sin-binned aginst perpignan,the 7man munster scrum turned the ball over in his absence. a flaw in the big man's game that nobody saw,perhaps!"
muster have recently addressed the scrum by appointing a local man pat mccarty who played wit munster years ago from some ail team, and its believed hes after doing wonders for the munster scrum
ireland for wc 2011 said "the rugby panel on rte 2 made an interesting point regarding munsters scrummaging:when paul o connell didnt play,it improved immeasureably.also remember when POC was sin-binned aginst perpignan,the 7man munster scrum turned the ball over in his absence. a flaw in the big man's game that nobody saw,perhaps!"
muster have recently addressed the scrum by appointing a local man pat mccarty who played wit munster years ago from some ail team, and its believed hes after doing wonders for the munster scrum
(u-p)rick April 13, 2010 10:22 pm
'Les Bleus said...
Doesn't know how to play? I bet I'm the only professional player who posts on this.'
HAHAHAH oh right, is that why you have such a loser outlook on life, you play amateur rugby professionally....well done genius....
Did i mention i am a multi millionaire, im currently sat on my yacht in the bahamas whilst on my laptop getting internet signal via a satellite link up....and i own an island....and i played for the all blacks, and im a king, and i own a space ship, and i can breathe under the sea, and i can fly with a cape, and im superman, and im.........tired of the shit Les Blues spouts!
Doesn't know how to play? I bet I'm the only professional player who posts on this.'
HAHAHAH oh right, is that why you have such a loser outlook on life, you play amateur rugby professionally....well done genius....
Did i mention i am a multi millionaire, im currently sat on my yacht in the bahamas whilst on my laptop getting internet signal via a satellite link up....and i own an island....and i played for the all blacks, and im a king, and i own a space ship, and i can breathe under the sea, and i can fly with a cape, and im superman, and im.........tired of the shit Les Blues spouts!
Anonymous April 13, 2010 10:35 pm
'Congratulations Munster, you really bought your victory here today.
Try scorers
Warwick (Australian)
De Villiers (South African)
Howlett 2 (New Zealand)
You really did ''earn'' your victory!'
what an absolute bitter **** I suppose no irish players were involved in the game and perhaps set up these tries?! i mean de villiers powered through, pretty much one man army....
howletts second try, i mean he did really "earn" that try didnt he..catch and dive...wow...
i mean nothing taken away from the guy, he could have easily dropped the ball, but if you're gonna post at least make sure its not a stupid post!!!
Try scorers
Warwick (Australian)
De Villiers (South African)
Howlett 2 (New Zealand)
You really did ''earn'' your victory!'
what an absolute bitter **** I suppose no irish players were involved in the game and perhaps set up these tries?! i mean de villiers powered through, pretty much one man army....
howletts second try, i mean he did really "earn" that try didnt he..catch and dive...wow...
i mean nothing taken away from the guy, he could have easily dropped the ball, but if you're gonna post at least make sure its not a stupid post!!!
Anonymous April 13, 2010 10:36 pm
'Les Bleus said...
Doesn't know how to play? I bet I'm the only professional player who posts on this.'
hahaha, (im the same anonymous who just commented!)
there is no way you're 'professional' any pro player can see the team work involved in a TEAM game! You are really just a 14 year old arent you!
Doesn't know how to play? I bet I'm the only professional player who posts on this.'
hahaha, (im the same anonymous who just commented!)
there is no way you're 'professional' any pro player can see the team work involved in a TEAM game! You are really just a 14 year old arent you!
Les Bleus April 14, 2010 12:09 am
Fact is, we don't give a shit about the fans, no team does. We care about your money, so continue coming to games and we will continue to make money from you. None of us play for you, we play for money. Why do you think there are so many foriegners in good teams? Even young ones. Francois Steyn is a perfect example of this. He is just as bad as Luke Watson. 22 and pissed off overseas. Your money is the only thing that makes us care about you.
Les Bleus April 14, 2010 12:47 am
Man, I hate foreigners! I wish there was some sort of affirmative action for us guys who, while maybe not as talented as foreign players, still want to play rugby! You know, even though we suck!
Man, it really gets my goat!
Did I mention that I hate foreigners!!!! And don't forget that I said I'm a professional!!
Man, it really gets my goat!
Did I mention that I hate foreigners!!!! And don't forget that I said I'm a professional!!
Benson April 14, 2010 8:05 am
Les Bleus.. you're a strange character. French name, but write in perfect english and talk about south african players in a knowledgable manner. perhaps you could own up to where you're actually from and what on earth you're talking about when saying you're professional?
(u-p)rick April 14, 2010 11:19 am
Oh come on benson, we know that when we enter a rugby pitch under the roar of the crowd when we play for our professional teams that one of the people roaring at us is les blues, the reason its not so noticable is the fact his voice is so high its on par with a dog whistle, this is due to him having his testicles removed!
I mean, i know that when me and Brian O'Driscoll get out onto the pitch we know that we are hitting hard for leinster, i know that im not from leinster so im one of these foreigners, i just try not to show up BOD too much, i know that he means well... then we play one hell of a game, and our fans love it, and the opposition fans, no matter who they are always love to see me in action. then afterwards we hit the showers for a bit of salami action, then its back to camp, ofcourse we are allowed a couple drinks, but you know old BOD he is a sly devil, he takes us out in his minivan to some of the great local pubs!!!
:)
I mean, i know that when me and Brian O'Driscoll get out onto the pitch we know that we are hitting hard for leinster, i know that im not from leinster so im one of these foreigners, i just try not to show up BOD too much, i know that he means well... then we play one hell of a game, and our fans love it, and the opposition fans, no matter who they are always love to see me in action. then afterwards we hit the showers for a bit of salami action, then its back to camp, ofcourse we are allowed a couple drinks, but you know old BOD he is a sly devil, he takes us out in his minivan to some of the great local pubs!!!
:)
Les Bleus April 14, 2010 5:08 pm
Les Bleus said...
Man, I hate foreigners! I wish there was some sort of affirmative action for us guys who, while maybe not as talented as foreign players, still want to play rugby! You know, even though we suck!
Man, it really gets my goat!
Did I mention that I hate foreigners!!!! And don't forget that I said I'm a professional!!
April 14, 2010 2:47 AM
This comment was not from me, stop being immature.
Man, I hate foreigners! I wish there was some sort of affirmative action for us guys who, while maybe not as talented as foreign players, still want to play rugby! You know, even though we suck!
Man, it really gets my goat!
Did I mention that I hate foreigners!!!! And don't forget that I said I'm a professional!!
April 14, 2010 2:47 AM
This comment was not from me, stop being immature.
Anonymous April 14, 2010 5:33 pm
Les Blues shouldnt you be in your professional camp right now and training, not pretending to be professional on the internet?!
oh yeh, you're 12 i forgot about that!
oh yeh, you're 12 i forgot about that!
USA6 April 27, 2010 8:40 pm
@Jose
Stacked meaning they have many of the best players in the world on one team.
Stacked meaning they have many of the best players in the world on one team.
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