Munster's late heroics in vain

AND so it came to pass. We had feared that the season could end despairingly for Irish rugby, that Leicester might prove too cute and Biarritz would be too hot to handle for Leinster and Munster respectively.

With Biarritz, Toulouse and Stade Français all in the Heineken Cup semi-finals, French rugby is in rude health with the World Cup looming in two years' time.

The decision to move yesterday's last remaining quarter-final to the Basque region of northern Spain proved a resounding success. The atmosphere within the stadium was a magnificent advertisement for an outstanding competition.

For Munster, however, the quest for the ultimate European prize becomes more difficult with each passing season.

Yet on the basis of Munster's second-half performance, one was left to wonder if they had paid too much respect to Biarritz in the opening 40 minutes.

At half time they were left with a mountain to climb, but their character can never be called into question - a point recognised by reaction at the final whistle when the supporters stood in unison to acknowledge their second-half efforts. There was also the recognition that the better side won.

Munster, shorn of the talents of Ronan O'Gara, Christian Cullen and Brian Lima lacked the cutting edge out wide. The key element was the ability of Biarritz to play out of the tackle in the first half.

The pace of their attack asked serious questions of Munster's defence, but they managed to answer on most occasions.

It was a huge disappointment therefore when the opening try from Argentine international Martin Gaitan resulted from a cheap turnover.

Munster, by contrast, went through several phases but made limited yardage. At one point, nine phases yielded four yards. This was a direct result of Munster's tendency to go to ground. At the point of contact against a back row of the quality of Betsen, Harinordoquy and Lievremont, this was a mistake, and was in stark contrast to Biarritz's ability to stay on their feet and get possession away quickly from the breakdown.

Over the years we have come to recognise that once you reach the knock-out stages of this competition it becomes more difficult to compete against the considerable resources available to French sides. Beaten in the semi-final by Toulouse last season, Biarritz responded by recruiting Damien Traille and Harinordoquy from Pau, Olivier Olibeau from Narbonne and hooker Benoit August from Stade Français.

The lack of resources available to Munster also manifested itself in the quality of the reserves bench. In the searing 23 degrees temperature, Munster's options off the bench were limited. That said, Munster's reaction to the 16 point deficit at half time was magnificent.

Throwing caution to the wind, they had far greater width to their attack and with Shaun Payne and Anthony Horgan in particular running excellent lines, they began to ask questions of Biarritz. But in the end, despite outscoring their hosts 10-3 in the second half, Munster had too big a mountain to climb.

In defeat, there were several heroes on the Munster team.

David Wallace, recalled to the side for the injured Denis Leamy, had an outstanding game with ball in hand. In the second row, the work rate of Donncha O'Callaghan and Paul O'Connell lifted the spirits around them.

Yet it was Marcus Horan who epitomised everything that is good in this Munster squad. His second half performance was encapsulated by one 60m run having exited a defensive five-metre scrum, and his performance may yet make him a surprise choice for the Lions squad. He deserves serious consideration.

Behind the scrum Horgan, Payne and John Kelly counter-attacked with menace and offered hope in a game that Munster seldom looked likely to win.

With Alan Gaffney departing in May, Munster must look at increasing their attacking options behind the scrum. On too many occasions in this competition we have relied on the grunt of the forwards to score from scrums and line outs within 10m of the opposition try line. Therefore, when they are unable to dominate territory they find it increasingly difficult to register a score. If rugby trophies were won on the basis of passion and heart alone this team would have a bag full of medals. For that they deserve huge respect.

On Saturday at Lansdowne Road, Leinster's Heineken Cup dreams were shattered by a performance of ruthless efficiency from the former holders Leicester. With club icons Martin Johnson and Neil Back set to retire at the end of the season, Leicester want to win the trophy badly.

For Leinster to have any chance of winning, their front five had to perform. However, the doubts that emerged from their performance against Bath in the pool stages resurfaced to such an extent that Leicester monopolised possession for long periods of this game. The Leinster scrum was in all sorts of trouble and the line-out often resembled the old fashioned dog-fights that were common in the days prior to lifting.

When one considers that Leicester played without Julian White and Ben Kay, the performance of their forwards was remarkable and Neil Back gave a master-class in back row play. He proved beyond doubt that even at 36 years of age he is worthy of a place in the Lions squad. His work in tandem with Martin Corry and Lewis Moody gave Leicester a distinct advantage.

Once again the talented Leinster back-line were operating on limited supply. When they did have possession a measure of panic ensued resulting in a plethora of turnovers. That said, both Brian O'Driscoll and Shane Horgan gave it everything.

Leicester are past masters at slowing opposition ball and playing on the edge of the referee's tolerance. Overall it proved a thoroughly miserable day for Declan Kidney's men.

Now is the time to take stock. In a season that promised much, it is disappointing that our provincial and national squads have nothing to show for their efforts. With a period of rebuilding imminent, there is a realisation that leaner times lie ahead.