Monday, December 15, 2008
MUNSTER’S quest for further Heineken Cup honours is alive and, improbably, kicking. With four minutes to go in a European classic at Thomond Park on Saturday, the reigning champions seemed destined for one of the most miserable Christmases in years.
Few teams have the ability to beat Munster, make eight changes to their side and produce arguably a stronger team. That is precisely what Vern Cotter managed with Clermont Auvergne — a stronger back row, a more potent midfield and an entirely fresh front five. What was completely unexpected was that the visitors would have the reigning champions on the ropes in fortress Thomond despite playing with 14 men for three-quarters of this gripping encounter.
In a superb game of rugby, the only sour note surrounded the crass stupidity of Clermont second row Jamie Cudmore who delivered a series of blows to the face of Paul O’Connell without provocation. O’Connell had no option but to defend himself. Cudmore then made a bad situation worse, throwing a further punch at Donncha O’Callaghan. Referee Chris White was spot on with his assessment, a yellow for the player in red (O’Connell) and a red for the player in yellow.
Cudmore left his side with a mountain to climb. The worry for Munster when the euphoria of this win subsides is the fact that Clermont were within minutes of successfully raiding Fortress Thomond. Munster must have known their luck was in when news filtered through from France that Montauban had beaten Sale. There is now a possibility (depending on bonus points) that should Munster beat Sale when the tournament resumes in January, they could well be qualified before the last pool game away to Montauban.
One must acknowledge the contribution of this Clermont team who were outstanding throughout and could prove, for the second year in a row, to be Munster’s most difficult opponent. The response from the remaining seven Clermont forwards to Cudmore’s dismissal was truly inspirational. While we have often witnessed teams in other sports react heroically when a man is sent off, it’s far more difficult in rugby to survive a numerical disadvantage for so long because of the level of physical attrition.
The sight of a Munster team being pummelled for long periods in Thomond Park by a team reduced to 14 men is something that will exercise the minds of the Munster management over the festive break. Munster survived a third quarter battering for the second game in a row, securing only 11% possession. You have to wonder what is going on. The demise of the maul under the ELV’s is something that has hurt Munster greatly. It was their safety valve in times of pressure. That said, teams can only collapse the maul by tackling the opposition between the hip and shoulders. On several occasions Clermont illegally collapsed by taking players legs — with apparent impunity from White.
The other problem for Munster was that in these two back-to-back ties, Clermont refused to allow the champions a line-out platform, restricting them to nine throws in each game.
Over the years, Munster’s main attacking platform has revolved around the line-out. Clermont, with a stunning counter-attacking back three in Anthony Floch, Napolioni Nalaga and Julien Malzieu kept ball in hand as much as possible and refused to kick to touch. In the second half Jerry Flannery did not throw into a line out until the 62nd minute and had only one additional opportunity after that in the half. Starved of possession once again, field position was impossible to secure. Munster could not get out of their half for any sustained period.
The other key moment in the game was the failure of Brock James to convert a straightforward drop-goal attempt with just seven minutes remaining. That would have increased the margin between the sides to five points and possibly forced Munster into further panic. Last season, James missed a similar drop-goal opportunity at the death in the Stade Marcel Michelin which enabled Munster to retain their bonus point in defeat. We know what happened then...
Not for the first time Munster’s ability to conquer adversity at the death was truly sensational. It’s what separates them from other teams and defines their champion status. To hit Clermont with two tries in a four-minute spell not only left the visitors with no reward for their valiant effort but also helps create an aura about this side in the eyes of all opposition. Put simply, they are never beaten. Munster have played below their best over the last few weeks but have managed to all but dump a classy side out of the tournament.
I have no hesitation in saying this Clermont team is infinitely better than the French national side that played in the recent autumn internationals. Munster's performance must be viewed in that context.
When it mattered most a number of players stood up to be counted. John Hayes continues to defy logic with a phenomenal work rate. He even threw in a sidestep for good measure. Marcus Horan's effort in contributing a second corner flag try in successive games was crucial. O’Connell was immense and must be a serious candidate to lead the Lions to South Africa at this stage. Apart from poor technique from both Barry Murphy and Keith Earls in the tackle for Malzieu’s try, Munster's defence, once again, was splendid. Earls more than made up for his error with some deft touches and a searing counterattack from his own twenty-two. He is on the road to a great career.
When the oft used cliché is trotted out about players "putting their bodies on the line" think of Tomás O’Leary's bone-shuddering effort on Benoit Baby which saved a certain try. Moments like that lift a team to greater heights.
On Friday night, Leinster opened the door for Wasps with a sloppy defeat to French basement side Castres. Ian McGeechan's charges, despite playing well below par, gratefully accepted the invitation with a win over Edinburgh that now sets up a cracking fifth round tie in Twickenham. Once again after a seriously flawed display, Leinster have left themselves open to ridicule and criticism.
In times of crisis, like Munster faced on Saturday, a strong team ethic can make all the difference. Under pressure, Leinster lack this essential ingredient.
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