Munster unlikely to cite Sinkinson for stamp on O’Gara
Sinkinson was seen to stand on O’Gara’s ankle and television pundit, former English international Jeremy Guscott demanded that the Neath player be punished.
But unless Munster get categorical proof that the foul was a deliberate act, they are unlikely to make the matter an issue.
Coach Alan Gaffney said it was important that players be protected but admitted he had no proof of intent. “We will have a look at the video and we will base our findings on that.”
Still, the Neath player may not escape punishment and action could be taken even if Munster don’t lodge an official complaint.
The incident was not picked up by referee Chris White or either of the two Scottish touch-judges and went unpunished.
O’Gara had to retire a few minutes later but an early medical scan suggested there was no serious damage to his ankle. He is, however, likely to have the injury checked again in Cork today and is unlikely to be able to train fully with Ireland in a three day get-together this week.
Ireland have a second injury worry relating to fullback Girvan Dempsey who faces a fitness test this week.
Meanwhile, Rob Henderson is also back in the hunt for a place in the squad. But, for the moment, he is disappointed Leicester are to be given breathing space against the men in red after celebrating Munster’s day of glory in Cardiff.
If try-scoring hero Henderson had his way he would prefer to meet the Tigers next week. “We have built up a bit of momentum now and I wouldn’t have any problem taking them on immediately. That’s not the case, however. We just have to wait until April and hopefully we will have a full squad to choose from.
“Everyone has been saying we are one of the best teams in Europe but up to now we have had nothing to show for it. That’s why it was vital to get a bit of silverware and put whatever ghosts are out there to rest.”
Henderson accepted that this decider wasn’t quite a classic. “In an ideal world you would like to go out and flash the ball around and let the wingers score five tries apiece. But that’s not the real world either.
“This was a final and I suppose it’s true to say there were some nervous guys out there. We did what we had to do to win. I thought the pack was outstanding and it was really about taking the chances.
“I think we scored points every time we attacked in that first half and that was the major difference between the two teams.”
Munster captain Jim Williams described the victory as “the monkey off our back” and he had good reason to be relieved.
“We did what we had to do,” Williams shrugged. “This could be described as a good start rather that a great finish,” he said. “So many people have put in such a huge effort that it was the least they deserved.”
Williams had no hesitation in sharing the glory with ex-skipper Mick Galwey, whose arrival onto the pitch at the Millennium Stadium was greeted with a huge ovation that included Welsh legend Barry John.
Huge praise must also go to the Munster fans who travelled in numbers to make this a big occasion.
Neath coach Lyn Jones was amazed: “I thought we would have an advantage on the terraces at least but it wasn't the case. These Munster people have to be great fans.”
Williams and his Munster colleagues were in absolutely no doubt about that, and the time they spent on the pitch after the game was full testimony to that, with the captain saying: “It wasn’t a spur of the moment thing. We really appreciate all the sacrifices these people have made to come and
support us. They have followed us in the good times and through the bad times. Winning the Celtic League was as much for them as it was for us. They are absolutely brilliant.
“I’m sure that it hurt them as much as it did us when we lost on this ground against Leicester but at least we now have something to show for our efforts.
“The pity is that there is such a long time between this and our next game but the good thing is that we have something else to look forward to.”
The key to Saturday's victory, according to coach Alan Gaffney, was the good start enjoyed by Munster.
“We knew they would come out fighting and the important thing was to stop them from scoring early in the game.
“As it happened, we got some points on the board and that was crucial. We got a couple of good breaks as well and that was nice for a change.
“We said at half time that we would not go out to protect the lead but, rather to attack again and try to build on that. I was pleased with the way the guys stuck to the task and I reckon it was a comfortable victory in the end.
“We defended very well when we had to and we took our chances when they came. That’s what the game is all about.”
MUNSTER: J Staunton, J Kelly, M Mullins,
J Holland, M Lawlor, R O’Gara, P Stringer, M Horan, F Sheahan, J Hayes, M O’Driscoll,
D O’Callaghan, J Williams, A Foley, A Quinlan.
Replacements: R Henderson for O’Gara (26),
M Prendergast for Lawlor (72), M Galwey for O’Callaghan (76), D Leamy for Quinlan (80),
M Cahill for Horan (80), J Blaney for Sheahan (80), K Keane for Holland (80).
NEATH: A Durston, G Morris, J Storey, D Tiueti, S Williams, L Jarvis, A Moore, D Jones,
B Williams, A Jones, A Newman, G Llewellyn,
A Mocelutu, N Bonner-Evans, B Sinkinson.
Replacements: A Matthews for Williams (16),
S Tandy for Mocelutu (62), S Connor for Jarvis
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
