Connacht were undone by Munster’s experience and quality, writes John O’Sullivan
With the two sides in contrasting form, and the return of Paul O’Connell, it was almost written in the stars that Connacht would succumb to defeat to Munster at Musgrave Park on Saturday last. Losing to Munster away is never a shame-after all, Munster are two times European Champions, and despite having a poor season by their own high standards boast several quality players.
What will irk Eric Elwood, though, is his side’s capitulation, particularly in attack. With the incentive of potential Lions’ places, many of the Munster players-in particular talisman Paul O’Connell raised their game massively. Munster started the game like a house on fire, touching down twice in fifteen minutes, leaving Connacht and their game plan is a state of flux.
Not in consideration for the Lions, Damian Varley with his two try salvo-almost certainly booked his place on Ireland’s summer tour of North America. With Rory Best almost certainly to be a Lions’ tourist, the former Wasp Varley could enhance his credentials with a solid summer tour. And if he replicates the form he showed Saturday, he almost certainly will.
Two veteran outhalves took the field for each team, but, on this occasion, it was the much maligned Munster man who took the plaudits. It has been a difficult few weeks for O’Gara, but his performance epitomised the mental strength in adversity that has become a key weapon for him in a glittering career. Two conversions from three and a penalty was O’Gara’s reward for a productive day at the office.
In terms of territory and possession, Munster were clearly in the ascendancy , but Connacht did have their own bright spells, but, like so many times in the past, they failed to make their pressure count. On several occasions, Connacht where a solitary pass away from crossing the Munster line but inexplicable passing errors saw each move break down. From the vantage point of my armchair, it made for frustrating viewing, I only imagine how seething Eric Elwood was with some of his charges.
Individually, Connacht’s stand out players where tyro Kieran Marmion and the ever energetic Danie Poolman. Ironically, though, Connacht’s best chance of a try came from Marmion’s replacement, Paul O’Donoghue. After several phases of Connacht pressure, the scrum half was bundled into touch a mere few metres from the line.
The Westerners can take solace from the fact that they denied their Southern neighbours a losing bonus point.
With three wins previous to the Munster game, Connacht must dust themselves down and show the same levels of skills and fight that secured them three wins on the trot when they travel away to the improving Benetton Treviso on Saturday. With four games remaining, Connacht will want to mark another year of growth with yet more victories. The Green Juggernaut may have been temporarily stalled, but it will continue to grow.
I’m John O’Sullivan, 20. Part time student, full time sports nut. Love rugby and am currently the PRO of Connemara RFC. I also do some radio work for my local station. One day, I would love to be a Sports Journalist/Broadcaster.
