Brave McGahan gets the calls right
It says much about the competitive nature of the Heineken Cup that Munster, despite winning their opening fixture, were under massive pressure to win in Stockport.
Once again showing the character that defines champions, Paul O’Connell and his wonderfully-committed comrades made it clear they have no intention of surrendering their crown without a fight.
Forced to play the last 10 minutes of a pulsating contest with 14 men after Lifeimi Mafi was dispatched to the bin, Munster outscored Sale 3-0 when Ronan O’Gara’s cracking drop goal sealed the game.
Tony McGahan, incredibly under the microscope from some sections of the press despite a 100% success rate this season, displayed the courage of his convictions both in selection and tactical approach this week.
The introduction of Tomás O’Leary, who had a marvellous game, and Paul Warwick in the unfamiliar role of full back, added significantly to the effectiveness of Munster’s kicking.
The placement of Keith Earls in midfield opposite All Black sensation Luke McAlister was also a gamble given the onerous defensive responsibilities that accompany the No 13 jersey. In all instances McGahan’s judgment proved spot on. Hats off too to the management for the decision to shore up the midfield after Mafi’s departure by replacing Justin Melck with Barry Murphy.
McGahan targeted improvement in Munster’s decision making, kicking game and ball carrying from the Montauban clash as the keys to success. In all instances he got the required responses.
At half-time Munster enjoyed a seven-point lead and despite a shaky start should have been ahead by more with at least two try scoring opportunities scorned. When the inevitable Sale backlash arrived, inspired by the introduction of Charlie Hodgson, Munster had the composure to ride the storm.
The difficulty for Munster in that third quarter was that they had no possession. O’Gara was starved of ball for long periods but the visiting defence, apart from the concession of Dean Schofield’s try, was clinical.
When Sale equalised with 20 minutes remaining Munster drew on their vast well of Heineken Cup experience and clicked into another gear.
With 524 tournament caps against 191 for Sale, the team with the winning pedigree stepped forward.
David Wallace, named man-of-the-match, was outstanding and looks in the best shape of his life. His match defining try created by the tremendous hands of Mafi was a killer blow for the Sharks.
O’Connell led by example through his ball carrying and work rate while Earls playing in his third different starting position since August was superb. The icing on the cake came in the form of O’Gara’s late drop goal which deprived the hosts of a bonus point that could prove invaluable come January.
Munster resume their title defence in December with another demanding challenge away from home against Clermont Auvergne who defeated Montauban yesterday. This Edgeley Park performance will see them relishing the opportunity.
On Saturday, Leinster survived a real test of their character when losing both current and former captains Leo Cullen and Brian O’Driscoll in the opening half of their clash with Wasps.
For a team whose leadership credentials have been questioned in recent weeks, the response against the English Premiership champions could not have been more emphatic.
Scoring six tries against a team whose defence is shaped and choreographed by coaching maestro Shaun Edwards says everything about the quality of Leinster’s attacking effort.
After burying the Murrayfield bogey last weekend, Leinster were masterful at times and have posted a timely reminder of their ability to mount a serious challenge for honours.
The most significant aspect of Saturday’s victory against a side who have dominated both domestic and European competitions in recent times was the contribution from Leinster’s young guns.
Behind the scrum Rob Kearney gave an exhibition of fielding to complement his footballing skills. Not only has he secured his starting position at full back for the autumn internationals but even at this early stage looks destined for the Lions tour. Alongside him Luke Fitzgerald showed sufficient quality in both defence and attack to suggest that he is also a viable option for Ireland in midfield over the coming weeks.
As always the ability of any backline to perform to their maximum depends on the quality and speed of ball provided by their pack. In this respect Leinster’s back row of Rocky Elsom, Jamie Heaslip and Shane Jennings completely outplayed their highly-rated counterparts.
Wasps open side Tom Rees has long been the darling of the Sky pundits but on this occasion played second fiddle to an inspired Shane Jennings who had his best game since returning to Dublin from Leicester. Beside him Heaslip had another excellent performance.
With back-to-back games against Castres in December, who have lost their opening two pool matches and are effectively out of the tournament, Leinster with two bonus point victories in the bag, already look set for a home quarter final.
