Red redemption

IN sport, the opportunity for redemption rarely comes so quickly. In the aftermath of Munster’s defeat in Kingsholm, the team, and the forward unit in particular, were seething.

What better way to set the record straight than to slay your conquerors within seven days?

On the basis of Saturday’s display, normal service has resumed. As a result, the best home record in the Heineken Cup has now been extended to a remarkable 20 victories.

The manner of the victory, containing four tries and a bonus point, now catapults Munster to the top of the pool.

More importantly, with two less daunting fixtures remaining, Munster now have the opportunity of finishing as a top two seed, which should result in an attractive home quarter-final.

Given all that has happened in Thomond Park over the past few seasons, it is remarkable to suggest that the atmosphere on this occasion was better than ever. In some respects, Duncan McRae had a lot to do with it. His very presence during the warm-up incited the crowd.

On the final whistle he made his only break of the day when he sprinted to the sanctuary of the dressing room like a scalded cat. Even the sponsors Bank of Ireland, played a significant role by handing out free flags to every supporter.

When the Munster team took the field to the backdrop of “Stand Up and Fight,” the show of flags was reminiscent of scenes from the Special Olympics in Croke Park last year.

Beforehand Alan Gaffney would have stressed the importance of the first ten minutes. For the Munster pack it was a question of “start as you mean to continue.”. In Kingsholm last week Munster’s lineout under-performed to such a degree that they lost two of their first three throws.

On this occasion not only was there own lineout impeccable but Paul O’Connell managed to pinch two of the visitors early throws.

In addition, when referee Joel Jutge penalised Gloucester in the first scrum of the match, the ground rules had been set. Throughout the game the Munster front row of Horan, Sheehan and Hayes were simply majestic.

The concern in the early stages of the game was that Munster’s pressure was not reflected on the scoreboard.

When Henry Paul converted a penalty after an O’Gara miss, Gloucester remarkably found themselves 3-0 ahead, completely against the run of play.

Repeatedly, when Munster were in the scoring zone, Gloucester were content to concede penalties. But they paid the ultimate price when Chris Fortey upended Donnacha O’Callaghan from an attacking five-yard lineout. With Fortey in the sin-bin, Munster had ten minutes to make them pay. And pay they did.

Jim Williams, who by his own admission had made some poor decisions last week, got it absolutely spot on this time. With Gloucester reduced to seven forwards, he opted for a five-yard scrum.

Rather than going for the pushover try, as Gloucester would have expected, Foley and Stringer executed a back row move that resulted in Horan scoring in the corner. Munster were on their way. When David Wallace was denied what looked like a certain try minutes later, one sensed an opportunity missed.

We need not have worried. In the next attacking phase, Munster engineered another lineout ten yards out. This time by manner fair or foul, there would be no stopping the Munster eight.

While Munster had re-launched their lineout platform by throwing to O’Callaghan and O’Connell at the front and the middle throughout the course of the game, they cleverly changed the point of attack by throwing to the tail.

Given the problems they encountered in this area the previous week, it was a brave call. That bravery was rewarded as Munster drove Gloucester over the line at the rate of knots.

Frankie Sheehan emerged triumphant from beneath the pile of bodies. In his excitement he threw the ball to the high heavens.

That moment more than anything signified an end to his “annus horribilis” of 2003. I was thrilled for him that he went on to win the man of the match award. The fight for Keith Wood’s green jersey is well and truly on.

Munster’s forward dominance was complete when Marcus Horan drove over after a cynical Gloucester knock-on late in the first half.

To reach the half way stage with three tries in the bag was hugely satisfying for the Munster camp. On the half time whistle, they sprinted to the dressing room with a clear indication that they wanted more - the message was clear; go for the jugular.

The cynicism that had undermined Gloucester’s first half performance continued right through the second period, and when Henry Paul deliberately infringed on another attacking Munster movement, the referee finally showed him the yellow card.

With Paul warming the sin-bin, Mike Mullins sought revenge by making a series of midfield breaks. One of these resulted directly in John Kelly scoring in the corner. Utopia. Four tries, a bonus point and an outstanding victory.

Throughout the 80 minutes, we witnessed some remarkable displays from this Munster team. John Hayes has seldom played better. Horan and Sheehan were not far behind.

In the second row, O’Connell and O’Callaghan faced the realities of life when the lineout fell apart in Gloucester last week. On this occasion, both were magnificent, continuously pressurising Gloucester in the air on their throw. As a result, Gomarsall was on the receiving end of some horrific lineout ball.

In the back row while Foley and Williams played with their usual industry, David Wallace had his best game since returning from his horrible injury problems. His pace as a ball carrier in midfield continuously caused problems for Gloucester.

Behind the scrum O’Gara, despite a nervous opening thirty minutes, had an outstanding second half. With Munster on the forward foot, he controlled the game as only he can.

As a result, the Munster three quarters was outstanding in attack. The emergence of Sean Payne as a full back has been an added bonus. The joy and relief on the final whistle was there for all to see. Another great day in Thomond Park sends Munster back on top of their pool.They can’t wait for the next fortnight.