Once more, Munster’s doubters circle
In the 12 games played, a total of 56 tries were scored, an average of 4.7 per game. Of the 24 participating teams only Munster, Toulouse, Cardiff Blues and Brive failed to register a five pointer.
Watching Munster’s pool rivals of the last two seasons, Clermont Auvergne, perform with such polish and adventure in a 70 point classic against the Leicester Tigers in the Stade Marcel Michelin, offered a timely reminder of what Munster can expect next Sunday. Playing at home breeds an entirely different mindset for all French teams.
French tradition dictates that you do not lose at home. You are duty bound to protect the honour of your town and nothing less than total commitment will be accepted. That is why a variety of French teams have been so unreliable on the road over the years. That mindset was fine when the visiting teams shared the same traditions and cultural norms, but once the French clubs expanded their horizons in European competition they began to appreciate that the visitors from outside their geographical boundaries had a different approach. Even so, in the 29 Heineken Cup encounters at Perpignan’s Stade Aime Giral since 1998, only two visiting teams, Leicester in 2001 and Wasps in 2004, have managed to record a victory there. Perhaps it is no coincidence that both went on to win the tournament.
It took a long time for the Irish teams to achieve any modicum of success on their Gallic adventures in the early years of the Heineken Cup with Munster’s annihilation at the hands of Toulouse by 60-19 back in 1997 still a vivid and painful memory. Thankfully, as a result of the annual interaction and exposure to a variety of French teams, those days have long passed.
Unfortunately, as Munster found out last Friday night, the French are far more combative on the road than they used to be. Despite starting without five of their first choice line-up, Perpignan played with a confidence and variety to their game that suggests they have far more to offer than just a bludgeoning pack. Renowned for the brute physicality they bring to the forward exchanges, it was their ability to score opportunist tries from nothing that would worry me. They are not the current French champions for nothing and are a very rounded side.
It was certainly a relief to see their outstanding scrum half Nicolas Durand depart the scene after 60 minutes as he had a major influence in the game. Renowned for his pace and an eye for a gap, he wreaked havoc. Not for the first time this season Munster’s fringe defence around the ruck and maul was very poor and Durand, in particular, will seek to exploit any further weaknesses in this department on Sunday.
The other scary prospect is that despite scoring three tries we saw little or nothing of the threat that the centre pairing of David Marty and Maxime Mermoz offer in attack. Munster will not be that fortunate second time around. That audacious try by replacement Philip Burger with ten minutes left would have killed off a lesser side but Munster continue to show the character and never-say-die attitude that has been their hallmark throughout the decade.
To win on Sunday, though, they’ll need more than that. Firstly their set piece will have to be far more accurate. Perpignan left Thomond Park with the belief they can frustrate Munster at both scrum and lineout. Jerry Flannery’s loss would hurt any team, as the Lions found out to their cost last summer, but Denis Fogarty is an accomplished performer. He is, however, going to experience a challenge of a different kind on Sunday and Munster’s lineout needs more clarity, simplicity and slick execution. The calls must come earlier to relieve the pressure on the throw. They have the personnel and experience to achieve that.
While Munster’s attacking game is nowhere near the level it reached at times last season, there were promising signs on Friday night. There was far more width to their attacking game than we have seen in recent weeks but the desire to deliver the miracle pass needs to be curtailed.
Without question the departure of Rua Tipoki is being felt as his leadership, slick hands and ability to control the exuberance of Lifeimi Mafi were a significant factor. It is worth remembering, however, that he was injured for long periods last season when Mafi and Keith Earls established a fruitful midfield partnership. They were in situ in that outstanding performance against the Ospreys in the Heineken Cup quarter-final but I still believe that Earls is better suited to a back three position at present.
Jean de Villiers has a proven track record but for whatever reason it just hasn’t happened for him yet in a Munster jersey. It is his misfortune to come into the side at a time when their form and execution has been below their normal standards. There are numerous examples of players from the southern hemisphere finding the transition difficult to start with before exerting their influence — Luke McAlister at Sale a prime example.
De Villiers now needs to park any inhibitions and show the qualities that made him a key leadership figure for Western Provence, the Stormers and South Africa for the last few seasons. Only twelve months ago this guy was seen as the natural successor to John Smit as captain of the Springboks.
It is becoming fashionable to prepare the obituary for this Munster team despite the fact that they have ten of Ireland’s Grand Slam match day 22 when Flannery and Marcus Horan are available. One does suspect, however, that Sunday’s performance could provide a seminal moment in their season. The forwards must simply step up to the plate and impose themselves.
If that Perpignan pack were lining out in the French colours against Ireland, you would expect Munster’s Irish contingent to dominate them. Forget the colour of the jersey, go out and play.
Most importantly, get more bodies between the opposition and the ball at the breakdown in order to buy an extra second for Tomás O’Leary and Ronan O’Gara to orchestrate affairs. It is time for all on board to stand up and be counted.
