Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Munster claim Australian scalp at freezing Thomond Park
Rain, wind, and freezing conditions greeted an experimental Australian side at Thomond Park as they looked to get over the heavy loss to England on Saturday by picking up a good win. Munster had other ideas though as Warwick kicked three penalties and two drop goals.
Munster famously beat the All Blacks in 1978 so this win will go down as another great win and their fourth straight victory over touring Australia teams. The scrappy nature of the game, attributed to the conditions, didnt play in the visitors favour as speedsters like Lachie Turner and Rod Davies were wasted out wide.
"There's a few boys in there suffering from hypothermia so we're definitely not used to that," said captain on the night, Berrick Barnes. "Maybe Munster can come to the outback and we'll give them a bit of heat," he added.
It was a first for the majority of the young Aussies who certainly wouldnt have experienced such a night of rugby to date in their careers. It was to be expected though and Munster seemed to thrive on the nature of the game.
They themselves werent at full strength, so theyll take the win as another famous scalp that will be spoken about for many years to come.
Time: 01:26
Posted at 3:05 pm | 57 comments
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Viewing 57 comments
Anonymous November 17, 2010 3:43 pm
good work in tough conditions. I can't believe it was a kicking game ha
Leeners93 November 17, 2010 3:44 pm
lol,did the commentator say "from dublin" in the opening line?munster people wont be happy about that!!
Conor November 17, 2010 3:52 pm
Good game, Munster should have put up 30 points on them tohugh
Anonymous November 17, 2010 3:59 pm
sigh....wish these SH big boys would leave our little NH players alone, we cant take all the punishing scorelines you keep imposing on us....another loss for the NH....oh...wait....nevermind...
(Sorry, i dont wish to be a dick about this an all, and i know its only a midweek match, but im really waiting for the whole 'yeh well we dont care about those types of games' comments....)
Anyway congrats to munster, and obviously im aware it was not the original full aussie team etc..
(Sorry, i dont wish to be a dick about this an all, and i know its only a midweek match, but im really waiting for the whole 'yeh well we dont care about those types of games' comments....)
Anyway congrats to munster, and obviously im aware it was not the original full aussie team etc..
Dermot November 17, 2010 4:08 pm
Sounds like the commentators are trying everything to make this loss more acceptable. Highlighting the weather, the 3 kiwis playing for munster and the australian warwick. He didn't mention that Munster were fielding a second string team and were missing all of their Irish players. It was a largely 2nd string Australian team too but Munster thoroughly deserved that victory! Give the players some credit!
Third Centre November 17, 2010 4:18 pm
I know it was two second string teams but the australian performance was pretty poor. I don't doubt their ability but they just didn't seem to give a damn. Munster should've probably won by more and it was great to see some of their young players (not even mentioned by the reporter!!) put in some great displays.
KG November 17, 2010 4:26 pm
Munster did play well, except at the Australians' line. They kept using the forwards to attack (which can be fine except they kept passing the ball to a forward who was standing still). They have a massive centre like Tuitupou who is great at crash balls (the one or two times he did it during the match, in the midfield, he made loads of ground) and pace with Earls, and they never even tried. I understand using the forwards in that sort of weather, but it just wasn't cutting it. They were camped on the Aussies' line for two or three long periods, and the ball kept going to the static forwards.
Also, Williams (Munster 9) is very strong for a 9. He pushed his way through from a static start a couple of times and made decent ground and was strong when caught in possession. Good passing and catching and quick thinking as well. I'd already class him ahead of Reddan. He'll be on the national squad soon enough I hope. Personally, I'd have given him man of the match.
Also, Williams (Munster 9) is very strong for a 9. He pushed his way through from a static start a couple of times and made decent ground and was strong when caught in possession. Good passing and catching and quick thinking as well. I'd already class him ahead of Reddan. He'll be on the national squad soon enough I hope. Personally, I'd have given him man of the match.
meh November 17, 2010 4:31 pm
It took this game for me to realize why Ireland will never have the depth in talent that NZ and SA have...instead of developing home-grown talent, they hire out half the positions to big-name SH players. There are only 4 teams in Ireland, too, whereas in NZ and SA, there are nearly a dozen with top-class players. In France, where they too seek SH players, it doesn't make as much of a difference because they also have over twice the amount of teams as Ireland.
I love Munster, but I'd like to see more Irish players in Ireland...
(That said, Warwick, Howlett, & co. are amazing for Munster.)
I love Munster, but I'd like to see more Irish players in Ireland...
(That said, Warwick, Howlett, & co. are amazing for Munster.)
meh November 17, 2010 4:34 pm
I agree, Williams was great; it gives some hope for the future of Ireland's number 9.
murph November 17, 2010 4:36 pm
Dermot,
Point taken but the commentator was a Kiwi,
Point taken but the commentator was a Kiwi,
Anonymous November 17, 2010 4:37 pm
"It took this game for me to realize why Ireland will never have the depth in talent that NZ and SA have...instead of developing home-grown talent, they hire out half the positions to big-name SH players."
Don't exaggerate, there were only 3 foreign players playing, the rest were Munster. And most of the international Munster players are training for Ireland v NZ on Saturday.
Don't exaggerate, there were only 3 foreign players playing, the rest were Munster. And most of the international Munster players are training for Ireland v NZ on Saturday.
meh November 17, 2010 4:44 pm
Hmmm...it just seems like the key positions Ireland could use some development are lacking - centre and prop being the two that come to mind.
You're right though, I guess it is a bit of an exaggeration...my apologies.
You're right though, I guess it is a bit of an exaggeration...my apologies.
Anonymous November 17, 2010 4:50 pm
"Don't exaggerate, there were only 3 foreign players playing, the rest were Munster. And most of the international Munster players are training for Ireland v NZ on Saturday."
Warwick, Howlett, Tuitupou, Borlase, Du Preez.
I agree with what the other guy said, apart from it is much easier said than done. We'd need to develop a better domestic league and rugby union would have to increased in popularity. Not gunna happen when Ireland's about to fall apart.
Warwick, Howlett, Tuitupou, Borlase, Du Preez.
I agree with what the other guy said, apart from it is much easier said than done. We'd need to develop a better domestic league and rugby union would have to increased in popularity. Not gunna happen when Ireland's about to fall apart.
Hendrick November 17, 2010 4:58 pm
I played in the cold before, and let me tell you it is not fun. brrrgh. You can barley move. Glad I live in Hawaii now. :)
Anonymous November 17, 2010 5:35 pm
Hendrick said...
I played in the cold before, and let me tell you it is not fun. brrrgh. You can barley move. Glad I live in Hawaii now. :)
Really? you must be one of the first rugby players to have ever done that.
FFS this is the weather that NH guys have to play in most of the time, man up!
I played in the cold before, and let me tell you it is not fun. brrrgh. You can barley move. Glad I live in Hawaii now. :)
Really? you must be one of the first rugby players to have ever done that.
FFS this is the weather that NH guys have to play in most of the time, man up!
Huh!! the 3rd November 17, 2010 5:36 pm
Agree Munster butchered some great try opportunities. Murphy had to put Howlett over, and the forwards continue to hog the ball with absolutely no end result (well, pens and scrums conceded). Why do Irish provs and national team get so brainless with white line fever when they get to the opps line?
I said the other day to watch out for Williams and he proved me right. Even when he made poor decisions (some poor grubbers), he cleaned it up with his defense and work rate, and wasn't fazed by Oz back row. He's already ahead of Reddan for Sat (yea right, like that will happen in this country).
I said the other day to watch out for Williams and he proved me right. Even when he made poor decisions (some poor grubbers), he cleaned it up with his defense and work rate, and wasn't fazed by Oz back row. He's already ahead of Reddan for Sat (yea right, like that will happen in this country).
Huh!! the 3rd November 17, 2010 5:43 pm
Just watched the clip, and in defense of it, its just a news clip. Not an in depth analysis (ha, anal) of the game. It is from NZ/Aus so of course they'd mention Howlett, Tuitopou, Borlase and Warrick from their side of it, instead of Holland, Nagle and so on.
Mike November 17, 2010 6:08 pm
I've no problems with that report - as others have said, Kiwis would be interested to hear about NZ players who turned out for Munster.
I agree with the point made above though that we do need to bring through whatever talent we have faster, like the Aussies and others do. Warwick is an excellent player and we're lucky to have him, but it's unfortunate that he's not a candidate for Irish selection. Ideally, guys like Ian Madigan should be pushing Sexton and O'Gara in these squads.
Re. the game - pity the weather meant that running rugby was so difficult, it could have been a much better spectacle. I have sympathy for the Aussies in that they would have less experience in handling those conditions. On the other hand, Munster really should have put 30 points on them - they butchered half a dozen chances within 5 metres of the Aussie line.
I agree with the point made above though that we do need to bring through whatever talent we have faster, like the Aussies and others do. Warwick is an excellent player and we're lucky to have him, but it's unfortunate that he's not a candidate for Irish selection. Ideally, guys like Ian Madigan should be pushing Sexton and O'Gara in these squads.
Re. the game - pity the weather meant that running rugby was so difficult, it could have been a much better spectacle. I have sympathy for the Aussies in that they would have less experience in handling those conditions. On the other hand, Munster really should have put 30 points on them - they butchered half a dozen chances within 5 metres of the Aussie line.
Anonymous November 17, 2010 6:10 pm
playing in the late autumn on some islands stuck out in the north atlantic, cold, windy and wet is inevitable. we should have prepared for this better.
dubbel November 17, 2010 6:10 pm
During the game, one of the Irish commentators mentioned that "Warwick has been the best Australian on the pitch all night."
Definitely true; he's a class act for Munster. Shame he can't ever play for Ireland, I guess - or that he didn't get more recognition in Australia.
Definitely true; he's a class act for Munster. Shame he can't ever play for Ireland, I guess - or that he didn't get more recognition in Australia.
Anonymous November 17, 2010 7:22 pm
shitty highlights, why does it skip back and forth from different points in the game?
KG November 17, 2010 8:12 pm
Reddan's only had one or two good games for Leinster. He basically played exactly like Stringer for those matches. Every other time he has been average or simply shit. I'm sure most Leinster fans remember that poorly executed and idiotic kick over the top of the ruck at the try line after 80 minutes vs. London Irish last year.
I don't understand the need for Reddan. At his best he plays like Stringer. So why go for a player who can play as well as Stringer 10% of the time when you can just pick the man himself. If you want a bigger 9 with better defense or running, then Boss is your man (in the absence of ToLaoire). And after this match, Williams should be close to equal standing (at least) with Stringer and Boss.
I like Kidney, but he needs to start adapting to the present day game and present day players.
I don't understand the need for Reddan. At his best he plays like Stringer. So why go for a player who can play as well as Stringer 10% of the time when you can just pick the man himself. If you want a bigger 9 with better defense or running, then Boss is your man (in the absence of ToLaoire). And after this match, Williams should be close to equal standing (at least) with Stringer and Boss.
I like Kidney, but he needs to start adapting to the present day game and present day players.
Anonymous November 17, 2010 8:15 pm
Proper weather conditions not like those softies down under.
'Oooooooo my ickle hands are freeeezing'
'Oooooooo my ickle hands are freeeezing'
DJ November 17, 2010 8:28 pm
surely this game was an advert for having earls STARTING for Ireland. best Irish player there i thought with ball in hand anyway and should've been given the ball out wide instead of the forwards losing it on the line. very well deserved win by munster
Anonymous November 17, 2010 9:37 pm
Yea, Earls proved in the first half alone, he's the best runner in the Ire squad, also, his defence was huge at times last night. But, as has been stated above and elsewhere, Kidney does defy logic (at least his own opinion that Ire are ''trying new things'') and goes for the safe and less off the cuff selections (Hayes, Kearney, Wallace, Reddan)
Jono November 17, 2010 10:29 pm
For Australia this game is an anethma to everything they attempt in rugby.
None of these guys would ever have played in conditions like this before, so mayeb it's good exposure.
I wouldn't take much from this though, except to confirm that Aussies aren't good at playing these conditions.
None of these guys would ever have played in conditions like this before, so mayeb it's good exposure.
I wouldn't take much from this though, except to confirm that Aussies aren't good at playing these conditions.
Anonymous November 18, 2010 12:10 am
I reckon that australia actually won this they were tying to run from everywhere while munster just kicked australia plays running rugby thats why we are admired and loved
katie holmes' boobs November 18, 2010 12:17 am
I take it you didn't watch the game, Anonymous.
Nicko November 18, 2010 12:26 am
What horrible weather for rugby. You gotta take you hat off to Munster for playing to the conditions though. I haven't seen the full game but my Australian mates were saying it was shocking.... but my guess is that the Munster fans would have been loving it!
I guess it goes to show you cant just throw together a group of superstars and expect them to gel.
The 2008 game against the AB's was similar, all these freaks in the AB backline and no cohesiveness.
I hope we can one day see Muster vs the Crusaders, I would die a happy man if I got to witness that.
I guess it goes to show you cant just throw together a group of superstars and expect them to gel.
The 2008 game against the AB's was similar, all these freaks in the AB backline and no cohesiveness.
I hope we can one day see Muster vs the Crusaders, I would die a happy man if I got to witness that.
EA November 18, 2010 12:36 am
"I reckon that australia actually won this they were tying to run from everywhere while munster just kicked australia plays running rugby thats why we are admired and loved"
Oh ya? I reckon your an idiot, Australia barley got out of their own half in the 2nd half of the game, that is the most insane comment I've ever seen on RD
Oh ya? I reckon your an idiot, Australia barley got out of their own half in the 2nd half of the game, that is the most insane comment I've ever seen on RD
Bill November 18, 2010 12:57 am
Apparently at one point the Munste rhalfback put up a kick, which got caught in the gale and went backwards ten metres, and he ran back towards his own goal line and caught it.
Those are conditions the Aussie players would probably never have been exposed to before (and hoepfully never again).
Australia plays running rugby, and it's very hard to do that in these conditions.
No wodner European players struggle to compete in good conditions with SH players (and vice versa).
Those are conditions the Aussie players would probably never have been exposed to before (and hoepfully never again).
Australia plays running rugby, and it's very hard to do that in these conditions.
No wodner European players struggle to compete in good conditions with SH players (and vice versa).
Anonymous November 18, 2010 1:30 am
Tough conditions make it hard for the OZs coz they're not used to it, sigh. good win for Munster
ChinUp November 18, 2010 1:40 am
Have to congratulate the majority of comment makers so far. This is like the Rugbydump of old at the moment. Intelligent remarks with a purpose, I'm loving it!
Anonymous November 18, 2010 1:43 am
Don't know if you can view this but those poor Aussies really aren't used to these conditions. Some of them actually got hypothermia during the game.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/photo.php?fbid=10150091934940731&set=a.122031740730.134622.20262130730
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/photo.php?fbid=10150091934940731&set=a.122031740730.134622.20262130730
sticks November 18, 2010 1:53 am
SA played Ireland in similar conditions and came out on top. What gives? For SA it's okay, but not Australia?
I'd say it was more about OZ not showing up fully on the day (second/third-string players, and Berrick Barnes as captain - that says a lot). I'm not making excuses for Australia, since I thought they were far-outplayed by Munster.
As the commentators said at the end of the match though, this was a Munster night and it doesn't mean anything for the Irish squad. They've still got plenty of shit they need to work out on their own (hopefully it lifts them up a bit, though).
I'd say it was more about OZ not showing up fully on the day (second/third-string players, and Berrick Barnes as captain - that says a lot). I'm not making excuses for Australia, since I thought they were far-outplayed by Munster.
As the commentators said at the end of the match though, this was a Munster night and it doesn't mean anything for the Irish squad. They've still got plenty of shit they need to work out on their own (hopefully it lifts them up a bit, though).
Bill November 18, 2010 2:57 am
The Saffers are good at up the jumper rugby, Australia has never been good at that style of rugby.
And these are conditions these Aussie players would never have played in before, ever.
That's a weakness of theirs, and good on Munster at being good at this style of rugby.
It's not an excuse, jsut an observation.
I guess I am infering that in different condisitons the result would probabably have been different, but the conditions were that way and Australia lost, so fair play Munster.
As an Aussie though, it doesn't bother me at all, cuz Australia will very, very rarely ever find itself in these conditions and so our lack of ability to play up the jumper stuff doesn;t really bother me.
And these are conditions these Aussie players would never have played in before, ever.
That's a weakness of theirs, and good on Munster at being good at this style of rugby.
It's not an excuse, jsut an observation.
I guess I am infering that in different condisitons the result would probabably have been different, but the conditions were that way and Australia lost, so fair play Munster.
As an Aussie though, it doesn't bother me at all, cuz Australia will very, very rarely ever find itself in these conditions and so our lack of ability to play up the jumper stuff doesn;t really bother me.
Anonymous November 18, 2010 4:54 am
of course the aussies would have played in conditions like this before, canterbury (crusaders country) and dunedin (otago highlanders) is absolutely freezing during winter so any one thats played super14 would likely have experienced this .
oz just played poorly for the conditions.
oz just played poorly for the conditions.
Bill November 18, 2010 5:05 am
Mate, as bad as kiwi weather is, it's not as bad as Irleand in the winter, not nearly as bad.
But look, I might sound like I'm tkaing something away from Munster, that's not my intention.
Munster did very well, they played the conditions extremely well, they are great at this type of rugby and outclassed the Aussies who din't handle the conditions.
But look, I might sound like I'm tkaing something away from Munster, that's not my intention.
Munster did very well, they played the conditions extremely well, they are great at this type of rugby and outclassed the Aussies who din't handle the conditions.
Martin Johnson November 18, 2010 9:34 am
The aussie's aren't used to these conditions and munster are? What are ye talkin about. Munster might be used to playing in wet and rainy conditions but not in weather like that. I was at that match the other night and its been a long while since I've seen weather that bad. The rain was bad enough but the wind was terrible. Swirling all over the place. You cant train for that sort of wind. But ya maybe munster were able to adapt and cope with the conditions that bit better. And saying that i'm sure munster were just more up for the game.
At the end of the day both the aussies and munster had their 2nd string teams out. But the way I see it, a 2nd string international team like australia will still field 15 full time professionals on their team. Munster, however had a mix between full time professionals and development players. Some of those players only get to play professional games when the internationals are missing and even at that they usually play against weaker oppposition coz their internationals are also missing 2.
Wait to see the leinster fans sayin how they would have destroyed australia, new zeland, and south africa combind.
At the end of the day both the aussies and munster had their 2nd string teams out. But the way I see it, a 2nd string international team like australia will still field 15 full time professionals on their team. Munster, however had a mix between full time professionals and development players. Some of those players only get to play professional games when the internationals are missing and even at that they usually play against weaker oppposition coz their internationals are also missing 2.
Wait to see the leinster fans sayin how they would have destroyed australia, new zeland, and south africa combind.
Third Centre November 18, 2010 10:51 am
well.... we would have Martin Johnson. Because we're amazing.
westman November 18, 2010 2:02 pm
i just saw the irish team to play new zealand . It the same team that south africa apart from court ! I'm i the only one who things Mick O'driscoll redden, best, darcey and karney should have been dropped .
Toner should have been for safe ball in the line out . New Zealand weakest area is the line out we should try and target tha
t area .
Toner should have been for safe ball in the line out . New Zealand weakest area is the line out we should try and target tha
t area .
Anonymous November 18, 2010 2:48 pm
westman - agreed about toner, get rid of twatty o driscoll. would drop kearney or darcy though - fitzgerald didnt have a great day on the wing and if he's playing full trimbles in and i dont think he quite cuts the mustard. wallace is no replacement for darcy either, weak enough in defence he is.
Mike November 18, 2010 2:48 pm
Yeah, I think NZ are going to murder us. Serious questions must be asked of the management, persisting with the guys who flopped against a Bok team that were not at 100% by any means, and a Samoan team that were brave and tough but don't play together a whole lot.
We need a small-scale revolution to get rid of some of the old-guard and bring in young players on an upward curve. The talent that isn't even in the squad is such a waste.
I'd like to be the first to offer our Kiwi friends congratulations for their upcoming victory - sorry we didn't offer much resistance, but we're suffering from ropey management at the moment.
We need a small-scale revolution to get rid of some of the old-guard and bring in young players on an upward curve. The talent that isn't even in the squad is such a waste.
I'd like to be the first to offer our Kiwi friends congratulations for their upcoming victory - sorry we didn't offer much resistance, but we're suffering from ropey management at the moment.
fry November 18, 2010 3:38 pm
As unfortunate as it is, I find myself agreeing with Mike. When Kidney came on board, I was incredibly happy - anyone would be better than EOS, I thought...and for a while, Kidney did great. He showed initiative and some willingness to try new things...but where has that gone?
All this year has been the same old story, and I think supporters of the Irish squad are getting sick of it. I know I am, anyways.
All this year has been the same old story, and I think supporters of the Irish squad are getting sick of it. I know I am, anyways.
westman November 18, 2010 3:48 pm
i'm really disappointed with the management there toner conservative when picking players. Guys like carr varley toner and O'Brine should be getting more chances and dont get me started on earls
Anonymous November 18, 2010 3:53 pm
"Wait to see the leinster fans sayin how they would have destroyed australia, new zeland, and south africa combind."
Still mad about those last 4 or 5 defeats?
Still mad about those last 4 or 5 defeats?
KG November 18, 2010 3:56 pm
Don't know what's wrong with Kidney. If M. Johnson can beat Australia at their own game, surely Kidney would be able to teach the Irish a wide, running game.
Anonymous November 18, 2010 5:32 pm
REDDAN!!!!
What does it take to get dropped from the Irish 22? And John Fucking Hayes is seen as a better option than Mike Ross. Pathetic. Hopefully NZ will open Kidney's eyes, because someone needs to. A prop's first job is to scrum. Forget about lineouts, defense, and ball carrying. Hold up the scrum. If Hayes gets on, the penalties will rain down, and who do the ABs have to kick their goals, Dan '1150 pts in 75 tests and counting' Carter. Fucking joke.
NZ by at least 25. Analyists keep saying Ire can raise their game, like the black jersey will inspire them. Sounds exactly the same as the 07 WC (v Fra) and 08 6N (v Fra again) and 08 NIs (some team called NZ). The game will be over by 60 min and Ire backs will score some tries, then everyone will gloss over the fact that this team is finished and continue to talk about a new game plan, attacking, recounter attacking skills and bollocks.
What does it take to get dropped from the Irish 22? And John Fucking Hayes is seen as a better option than Mike Ross. Pathetic. Hopefully NZ will open Kidney's eyes, because someone needs to. A prop's first job is to scrum. Forget about lineouts, defense, and ball carrying. Hold up the scrum. If Hayes gets on, the penalties will rain down, and who do the ABs have to kick their goals, Dan '1150 pts in 75 tests and counting' Carter. Fucking joke.
NZ by at least 25. Analyists keep saying Ire can raise their game, like the black jersey will inspire them. Sounds exactly the same as the 07 WC (v Fra) and 08 6N (v Fra again) and 08 NIs (some team called NZ). The game will be over by 60 min and Ire backs will score some tries, then everyone will gloss over the fact that this team is finished and continue to talk about a new game plan, attacking, recounter attacking skills and bollocks.
Leeners93 November 18, 2010 10:03 pm
look,i'm as frustrated as the rest of you with ireland's performances,but please don't start moaning and bitching about kidney.the man is a quality manager,as he has proved numerous times.first grand slam in 70 years anyone?
maybe he can accept some blame for the performances,but he's not going out their and actually playing.i think the real problem is aserious lack of passion in the irish jersey,as was alluded to by rob kearney in 2008.take new zealand for example.they have literally hundreds of players who would go out their and die for their team,but ireland can't muster up 15 with enough enthusiasm to hit a ruck?that's the difference
maybe he can accept some blame for the performances,but he's not going out their and actually playing.i think the real problem is aserious lack of passion in the irish jersey,as was alluded to by rob kearney in 2008.take new zealand for example.they have literally hundreds of players who would go out their and die for their team,but ireland can't muster up 15 with enough enthusiasm to hit a ruck?that's the difference
sticks November 18, 2010 11:16 pm
I don't think anyone should blame Kidney for Ireland losing; rather, I think people are blaming him for not changing something when it hasn't worked. Why go with the same old system if it's sucking? Switch stuff up; what have you got to lose (if you're already going to lose)?
I think Kidney can be a great manager - as you pointed out. I just don't want to see him hunker down into a trench and keep selecting the same players when others might merit it more.
I think Kidney can be a great manager - as you pointed out. I just don't want to see him hunker down into a trench and keep selecting the same players when others might merit it more.
Anonymous November 19, 2010 9:36 am
aus must have blown their load in hong kong.
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