“To have the (Magners League) decider still to play for will only increase the profile of the league in the month of May. Besides, this increases the odds of yet another chance to beat The Munsters, and who wouldn't want that???”
JL Pagano on Babbling Brook forum, August 2009
I figured needed to include my own quote to prove I have always been in favour of the new top-four-playoff format, though I could also point to the fact I used to always refer to the competition as the “Meaningless League” until the system came into effect.
But to the organisers’ credit, they’ve made a few necessary tweaks, first being linking Heineken Cup qualification to league position, the next being the end of season playoff, and finally next year’s inclusion of two Italian teams.
And on Saturday night at the OarDeeEss, Leinster were able to capitalise on their well-earned home advantage by putting the auld enemy to the sword for the fourth time in a row to reach the first ever Magners League Grand Final on May 29th.
Despite the form book, I don’t think anyone in the 19,700 crowd believed for a moment that Munster were going to be shrinking violets in this one, and from the kickoff they set about throwing the kitchen sink at us.
It appeared from their starting selection that the gameplan was to hit us early, establish a lead and then bring on the Flannerys and the Wallaces to close it out.
And to be fair, when a Munster XV comes into a game that focused and that motivated, the only thing that’s going to repel them is a typical Kurt McQuilkin-inspired 80 minute defensive effort that Leinster are famous for, and luckily the boys were able to do it.
Jamie Heaslip won man of the match AGAIN, but although he did produce one his trademark barnstorming displays, he really only took off in the final quarter, and there were many more impressive showings from the boys in blue.
Healy and Wright were phenomenal in the loose, and edged the front row battle as well, although I’d agree with George Hook in that our tight 8 was the better of a bad pair.
But as usual it was in the backs where we made the difference. Yes, BOD threw a block on de Villiers but the match-deciding try was still the result of a great backline move with everyone involved especially the returning Jonny Sexton, who followed up with the place-kick of the night for the extra two.
And credit must also go to Rob Kearney for not only being as reliable as ever under the high ball, not only for crossing for yet another crucial try, but also some super tackling throughout the match.
I’d be loathe to give too much criticism to our visitors, but if I were to pick out one thing I’d have to offer question marks over ROG as a captain.
Not knowing when to let go while arguing with the ref, patting O’Leary on the head for his high tackle on Healy and not taking easy 3-point chances early on (maybe these calls came from the bench but I’d be surprised) were all signs that, much like Brian O’Driscoll before him at Leinster, greatness as a player does not necessarily translate into good provincial captaincy.
Other than that, it can’t be said that Munster lost this match with their performance. They came at us right to the final whistle and I for one applaud them for their determination to break this try-scoring drought against us which now stands at 326 minutes.
And the Leinster faithful will be rewarded with a perfect way to close out the season as Ballsbridge welcomes back the star-studded Ospreys in two weeks. They’ll be up for a fight I’m sure, a super night of cup rugby awaits us.
One final thing I’d like to note…as much as I’ve enjoyed the RDS this season, I REALLY wish they’d do something about the stadium clock. It’s NEVER in synch with the referee. Might I suggest a “hooter” system when the official clock goes to red much like in France and the Super 14?
