Green: Munster pass the hemisphere test
Green has tipped Munster for the top in Europe and is in no doubt that they could also compete in the southern hemisphere’s Super 12 competition.
Alan Gaffney’s side may not have been at their searing best on Saturday in Italy, but Green saw enough to recognise the rounded qualities of Ireland’s battle-hardened Heineken Cup veterans.
“In my view, Munster would certainly by one of the best four sides at Super 12 level. They have a great pack of forwards, good backs, a brilliant goal kicker and they finish off their chances very well.
“They made mistakes this weekend but they kept their concentration. It takes a very good side to put bad moments in a match behind them.
“It’s hard to say how well they would do, because the Super 12 is often played in a way to keep the public happy. Sometimes it’s not just about winning games, it’s about entertainment and refereeing tends to be a little bit below par. But yes, if you’re talking about a team with the will to win and the ability to win, Munster would certainly be up there with the best.”
There is no guarantee, however, that Munster can finish the best in Europe. Green tipped Munster to be there or thereabouts but warned; “I think Munster have to top the pool if they are to hold out a realistic hope of winning the tournament.”
He added: “The history of the Heineken Cup suggests home teams are favoured. Munster have been a bit unlucky with the draws over the years and I think they now need the boost of a home quarter final for starters.
“If they do top the pool and get that home draw they should win through. Then they need a home semi final and that would give them a huge chance of making it all the way.”
Another who believes that possible is full back Simon Mason. The former Irish full back recalled with delight the amount of support Ulster received in the Heineken Cup final at Lansdowne Road in 1999.
“We had a huge crowd that travelled from Ulster, but fans came from all over the country, from Leinster, Munster and Connacht to support us.
“That final was one of the most amazing experiences and I can sympathise with Munster after losing two finals and narrowly losing two semi-finals as well.
“The fact is they are a great side and I really would love to see them finally win it. Because I played for Ireland and Ulster, I might appear to be biased but I really do believe that they have been the outstanding team in the tournament over the last four or five seasons.
“You never really can write them off.”
Mason has tipped Munster to beat Bourgoin next week and also believes they will secure the five points needed to clinch top place in the group.
“We’ve played both sides home and away and I’ve experienced the best that both sides are capable of.
“It’s my opinion that Munster are a far better side, and have proved that by moving into pole position. “I can’t see Bourgoin having the heart to go to Thomond Park and put in a huge performance.
“They’re going to be looking at the French Championship now and I think Munster will get an easy win. They will score four tries and they will get the bonus point so it really doesn’t matter what happens to us in Gloucester.
“The danger is that Munster might underestimate Bourgoin but I doubt that will happen. They’re far too clever a side, far too street-wise to allow that to happen.
“Thomond Park is a great ground to play on, an amazing experience and I figure that Bourgoin will freeze on the day because they’ll never have experienced anything like that kind of atmosphere.”
A week ahead of the big day, Munster coach Alan Gaffney has promised that Munster won’t take this task lightly.
His primary concern today will be to secure a medical report on hooker Frank Sheahan and to assess an update on Marcus Horan.
Both players missed Saturday’s game and Sheahan will have a scan on his injured knee this morning.
“Obviously we’re a bit worried about Frankie even though the injury does not appear to be that serious.” Gaffney, though happy with the eventual outcome, expressed dissatisfaction with Munster’s first half performance.
“That first 40 minutes was worrying. We made so many mistakes and that’s not typical of certain individuals.
“I felt we fell into the trap of playing an expansive game and that wasn’t the plan at all. Guys were pushing things and you make mistakes when you try to play that way.
“Sometimes nothing goes wrong and sometimes nothing goes right. Thankfully, after a good chat at half-time, the guys got it together. We had a couple of fortunate bounces of the ball but generally our display was much more controlled.
“Overall, the boys knew that their performance was not what they wanted but I was thankful that it all came right in the end.”
In that regard, Gaffney publicly thanked the Munster supporters who travelled in huge numbers to watch the game. “We talk about the Munster supporters all the time but they never cease to amaze. Looking up at the stands, it was a sea of red. They were everywhere and they sustained the team when things weren’t going quite according to plan. Brilliant is the best way to describe them.”
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