ERC: No problem over screen support

EUROPEAN Rugby officials rejected suggestions yesterday that screening scenes from Limerick’s O’Connell Street had any effect in deciding the destination of the Heineken Cup in Munster’s favour.

Munster’s players were playing to an entirely different tune. Anthony Foley, Paul O’Connell and Ronan O’Gara all admitted that the scenes showing thousands of fans on the city’s main thoroughfare — and the roar that erupted to greet them in the ground — had a galvanising effect on the team at a crucial period of the game.

The first shot of the city flashed up on the two giant screens after 61 minutes when Munster were visibly struggling, especially with their lineout while some of O’Gara’s kicks from the hand missed their mark as well.