Officials promise to review travel arrangements

MUNSTER officials pledged last night to travel earlier to important away fixtures in the Heineken Cup.

Branch officials, embarrassed by the travel debacle to Viadana in Italy over the weekend, have taken the needs of the team on board.

Coach Alan Gaffney is sure to seek a review of the travel arrangements for the forthcoming game against Perpignan next month after fog clouded Munster’s preparations against their Italian opponents.

Munster, who ran out 55-22 winners, decided to split the team in two by offering flights from both Shannon and Cork to save travelling time for the players in both the north and south of the province.

The plans went astray when Cork was closed by fog on Friday and the squad eventually arrived in Italy seven hours behind schedule, after the Cork contingent had to be ferried to Shannon by bus.

Gaffney admitted: “It was a bit of a nightmare,” and senior player Anthony Foley added: “It wasn’t the best preparation for us. We lost a day in training, and in the professional era that can make a difference.

“We went out on the pitch and didn’t look for any excuses but the long journey appeared to take a toll.”

Yet, even though Munster will feel sore that they conceded two late tries to take some gloss off the victory, Foley made a telling point in his assessment of the game.

“We are happy to have scored nine tries and come away with a comprehensive win.

“We found Viadana a very disruptive side. At times they had hands, legs and just about every body part in the way to stop us playing. “They stopped us from winning quick ball and there were times when it was very frustrating.

“We kept our heads and concentrated on winning the game, knowing that tries would follow if we kept our composure.

“In those circumstances, discipline was the key. There were a few cheap shots but the referee dealt with them. If that had not happened, there could have been a few problems but, happily, that wasn't the case.

“We had a bit of chat about the way they were going and decided nothing would get in the way of winning the match.”

Viadana had two players sent to the sin-bin. “At least we knew that we were going to be protected and it showed the professionalism within the side that we knuckled down and got on with the show to concentrate on our objectives.”

Captain Jim Williams is well versed in the art of professionalism. He is fully aware that Munster need to keep that professional edge and approach.

“The first three weeks of January will make all the difference. We have a Celtic League game against Ulster and two mighty hard encounters in Europe. It’s going to be a hard grind.

“Gloucester play Viadana at home and that will surely be a foregone conclusion.

“We have to play against both Perpignan and Gloucester and the ultimate aim is to make sure we win both.”