Christian gets a tough baptism
In the end, they left fairly disappointed at Cullen's low-key opener and Munster's defeat in this Celtic League clash that leaves them well off the pace.
Coach Alan Gaffney was disgusted at the overall display, annoyed that his side failed to raise the level of play: "It was one of the worst performances I've ever experienced as a coach, for Munster or for anyone else.
"We just never lifted our display. We got stuck and never got away from it. Sure, during the week there was talk that this might be a Christian Cullen sideshow but it had nothing to do with him.
"Christian played quite well, could have scored a try but this came down to basics. We didn't win enough quality ball in the line outs, didn't protect the ball we did win and certainly supplied very slow ball to the backs.
"There was a lot of promise there at times but far too many mistakes. You have guys training during the week and there was a fair amount of expectation. Then, for some funny reason, we lost the plot," he said.
The coach paid tribute to Neath Swansea for the way they battled through the match. "They certainly put it up to us, certainly took advantage of the mistakes we made. I can't blame them for that but I am disappointed at the amount of mistakes we made."
Munster were without a plethora of their top players but Gaffney made no excuses. "We can't point the finger at anyone. This was not about one person. We had the game there for the taking but now have to admit that we are probably out of the competition.
"We had it hard enough as it was, but to lose another game at home means we are playing serious catch-up and unlikely to challenge for the title. I'm very disappointed to say the least."
Musgrave Park buzzed last night from the terraces but Munster didn't quite respond on the pitch. They should have won or, at least, they could have won but a very determined visiting side snatched the honours and, in its own fashion, it was a deserved win.
Munster had the better of the first half even though the visitors took the lead after six minutes with a drop goal by Shaun Connor.
Rob Henderson equalised when Rob Henderson knock over a penalty and Munster had several chances to push their claims further, not least when debutante Christian Cullen was stopped short of the line.
Munster were the top side in that half but only managed to get ahead when Shaun Payne went in for a try seconds before the interval after Neath/Swansea were reduced to 14 players.
Flanker Steve Tandy had been sin-binned seven minutes before. It was a fine try and the product of constant pressure no less than Munster deserved.
Shaun Connor brought the visitors to within two points with a penalty three minutes into the second half but Munster were back in control after a fine try from Eoin Reddan two minutes later. Henderson added the conversion to bring the score out to 15-6.
Then everything changed. Elvis Seveali'I went in for a try after 14 minutes and another in a canter after Mossie Lawlor gave him a free run. Shaun Connor added the points and the visitors led 18-15.
It really was all Munster after that, with Rob Henderson to the fore at every opportunity. Still, the centre missed a crucial penalty 23 minutes into the half and they fell foul on a couple of occasions to Neath/Swansea interceptions to break up the dominance.
It didn't help that Lawlor attempted a near impossible drop goal from 40 metres and inevitably missed. Nor did it help Munster's cause that Henderson missed another penalty chance near the sticks in the final minute.
Munster were the better side on the night in terms of territory and possession but they lacked ideas going forward. That cost them dearly in the end.
: C. Cullen, S. Payne, J. Kelly, R. Henderson, A. Horgan, M. Lawlor, E. Reddan , F. Roche, F. Sheahan, G. McIlwham, T. Hogan, D. Pusey, S. Keogh, J. Williams (captain), E. Halvey. Replacements. J. Jones-Hughes for Horgan, F. Murphy for Reddan.
: G. Henson, S. Terblanche, D. Tiueti, M. Brayley, E. Seveali'l, S. Connor, A. Williams. A. Millward, B Williams (captain), a. Jones, A. Newman, L. Tait, J. Bater, A. Lloyd, S. Tanty. Replacements. G. Griffiths for A.Jones, L. Bateman for Tait.
: M. Changleng (Scotland).
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