Munster give Gaffney a farewell present

IT was a joyous and poignant occasion for coach Alan Gaffney as Munster advanced to a Celtic Cup semi final clash with Leinster at Lansdowne Road next Sunday (5.30pm).

Gaffney sat in the Thomond Park stand on Saturday night at the end of a hair-raising victory over Edinburgh, conscious that it would be his last time in charge at his favourite venue.

The Australian will oversee Munster’s remaining fixtures, one or both away, before returning home after three years at the helm and he admitted, “I will miss the buzz at Munster’s home fixtures. It’s an emotional night for me, the fans have been fantastic over the last few seasons. They’re part of the team and I’m glad we got the win to keep a marvellous record intact.”

Munster deserved their win but they were made to work hard of it. That didn’t surprise Gaffney: “You know what you get with Edinburgh. They like to run the ball and they’re very good at continuity rugby. That forces opponents to defend a lot and to remain focused.”

Munster had to defend and remained focused for long periods to carry them through the visitor’s vigorous challenge.

It was far from a perfect display, particularly in the first half when Munster lost three of their own lineout throws, with handling errors compounding their difficulties.

In mitigation, Munster decided to play against the breeze in that first 40 and a seven point deficit at the break was hardly insurmountable.

Still, Gaffney had strong words to say at the interval. “We got busted a few times out wide in the first half and were fortunate that the cover managed to get across. If we do that against Leinster next week, it will be at our peril.”

Munster improved significantly after the re-start and the pack ultimately got on top, stealing back a couple of Edinburgh lineout throws and dominating the scrums.

Edinburgh were frustrating opponents though, lining up in apparent offside positions across the pitch, content to stifle Munster’s potential and take advantage of any mistakes.

For a change, Munster started the game well. Captain, Anthony Foley won the toss but elected to play against the wind. After 13 minutes it appeared to have been an inspired move. Alan Quinlan scorched through for a try after John Kelly, David Wallace, Paul Burke and Paul O’Connell had all played significant roles in the build up. Paul Burke kicked the conversion for a seven points lead.

But then it all went belly up. Burke missed a straight-forward penalty attempt and Munster relinquished the lead after losing their own ruck ball in the middle of the field. Brendan Laney was sent away and skipped through three tackles to grab the try that Chris Paterson converted.

Eight minutes from the break, Dougie Hall went in for a try off a maul and Paterson again converted to give Edinburgh a lead they probably just about deserved.

The loss of Nathan Hines (yellow carded) gave Munster a bonus just before the break but they didn’t have enough time to make the numerical advantage pay despite coming close to scoring. The first chance came three minutes into the second half and Burke made no mistake when he struck a penalty from 35 metres.

Munster went back in front with a superb try from Anthony Horgan but the main thrust came from Shaun Payne who smashed through two tackles to set it up. Burke converted to give his side a 17-14 lead.

Edinburgh were awarded a penalty just afterwards but Brendan Laney decided against kicking at goal and drove at the Munster defence before losing the ball. Todd Blackadder broke brilliantly but his pass to Simon Webster went forward; Allister Hogg was stopped short and Munster got the turnover. It was relief all around for the fans.

Edinburgh tried every trick in the book, short line-outs, skip moves in the middle of the pitch and wide ball. Blackadder was a colossus but the Munster defenders stood firm, covering every angle on the fringes. It was fantastic outfield defence but the furrowed brows lasted right until the final moments.

Then Munster were awarded a penalty in front of the Edinburgh posts. Foley ignored the opportunity to kick at goal, instead opting for a scrum. Edinburgh were penalised twice more and then Foley broke off the back of a third scrum to squeeze in for the clinching score that Burke converted.

And Leinster next week? “They’ve been accused of being weak up front but I don’t believe that’s the case. They have some very good forwards, guys like Shane Byrne, Reggie Corrigan, Malcolm O’Kelly, Victor Costello, Shane Jennings and Eric Miller. We know what their backs are capable of and know that they’re able to score tries from just about anywhere.”

MUNSTER: S. Payne, J. Kelly, R. Henderson, M. Mullins, A. Horgan, P. Burke, P. Stringer, M. Horan, F. Sheahan, J. Hayes, D. O’Callaghan, P. O’Connell, A. Quinlan, A. Foley (captain), D. Wallace.

Replacements: D. Leamy for Wallace (70), Temporary, M. Prendergast for Stringer (52-63)

EDINBURGH: H. Southwell, C. Paterson, M. Di Rollo, B. Laney, S. Webster, P. Godman, M. Blair, A. Jacobsen, D. Hall, C. Smith, N. Hines, S. Murray, T. Blackadder (captain), S. Taylor, A. Hogg.

Replacements: A. Dickonson for Jacobsen (52), A. Kelly for Hall (63, A. Kellock for Murray (66), S. Cross for Blackadder (79)

Referee: N. Owens (Wales).