Munster’s hopes shattered in Marseille

Munster’s European hopes came to a frustrating end for another season down by the Mediterranean yesterday, as they came up short in a Heineken Cup semi-final for the second year in a row.

A year ago it had been a case of a young side not daring to dream as they went into battle against the more experienced Clermont Auvergne in Montpellier. Yesterday, in Marseille’s Stade Velodrome, there was no lack of belief on Munster’s part as they faced defending champions and French league leaders Toulon. The problem with Rob Penney’s side was the amount of mistakes they made, Toulon winning the game 24-16 on a warm day in southern France.

Dropped balls, too many penalties, and an in-form goalkicker in the form of Toulon’s veteran captain Jonny Wilkinson proved a lethal combination for Munster in front of massive travelling support. Around 8,000 Munster fans had turned Marseille’s Vieux Port red on Friday and Saturday, crowding into the bars and restaurants that flanked the French city’s picturesque harbour, ‘The Fields of Athenry’ echoing through the squares of the ancient port on the Mediterranean long into both evenings.