Chicago is Munster stars’ kind of town

MUNSTER RUGBY may not have been born in the USA, but the official final run–in to their new season began in Chicago yesterday.

The high temperatures and clammy heat are conditions the squad haven’t experienced during 10 weeks of pre-season in Ireland. Still, Chicago is experiencing flash showers and floods. Whatever you say, where the Irish go, the weather seems to follow.

Based near the teeming and buzzing Michigan Avenue, the players can easily stave off boredom as they’re in the heartland of the Chicago tourist district and players, management and officials have commented very favourably on the welcome accorded them in the Windy City. Last evening they were accorded a warm Chicagoan welcome at the Union League in the Downtown area which was hosted by the Consul General of Ireland, Sean Farrell of the Irish Consulate.

There is warmth off the park but acclimatisation continued during an intensive work-out at Fenwick Park High School yesterday morning as temperatures hit high 20s.

“They’re certainly happy with the weather but they’re a little bit rusty and they took their time to get going,” said Jim Williams who himself is visiting the US for the first time. Munster against the USA Eagles might not be garnering as much news space as the plight of local Major League baseball teams the White Sox and much-adored Cubs, but the game matters hugely to their respective seasons.

Both squads will jointly attend a White Sox match tonight, but it’s felt by Saturday the niceties will conclude. Munster mean business and the Eagles are winging their way to the World Cup in France next month and need a morale-boosting win. Their match against the 2006 Heineken Cup champions represents their final warm-up on home soil before departing for Le Coupe du Monde.

“It’s an unusual place to come from the point of view of a pre-season friendly. Some people would say it’s not the ideal thing to travel such a distance for a game,” said Williams. “But a lot of people put a lot of hard work into organising this weekend, so we’re certainly looking forward to the game. And it’s good for the guys to get out and travel, and learn about the conditions of a tour. And I always say no matter what the country, they’re difficult conditions to play rugby in as well.

“Being on tour will certainly give them a little taste of what’s involved and hopefully get them ready for Sunday and the coming season.

“Touring is good for squad building. You’re in a different environment, away from your home and what you are used to. It’s Chicago, the USA so you’ve got to look at it that you’re on enemy territory. It’s a good experience especially for the younger lads.”

As a new rugby season dawns, Williams admits there’s an overwhelming sense of disappointment after last season and they don’t want a repeat.

Consistency is the Munster mantra from now on as they aim for double assault on the Magners League and Heineken Cup: “We made a big point in pre-season last season that we didn’t want to be like other teams. We found it very hard to come back to that kind of level especially after winning it. It’s certainly something we’ve learnt from. We aim to get some consistency early and making the Magners League competitive for the players.”

Williams points out that the new signings Paul Warwick, Niall Ronan, Kieran Lewis and Rua Tipoki have made a smooth transition to their new environment. However, the bad news for Munster fans is that New Zealand Maori, Tipoki, will not feature on Sunday.

The controversial signing is continuing rehab on a hamstring in Ireland and Williams is uncertain when he will return for Munster.

Sunday’s game represents another new horizon for the marketing of the Munster brand where, on Sunday, a large swathe of the Chicagoan Irish diaspora are expected to turn out at Toyota Park. It’s province against a national team and Munster have a good record in toppling national sides in the past but, not away from either Musgrave Park or Thomond Park.

“It’s a good benchmark for players to see where they are and see where they need to get to.

“We’ve been training very hard for abut 10 weeks now. Paul Derbyshire and the fitness staff have done a fantastic job with the guys. It’s up to us (coaches) now to get them gel together and working out on the pitch. They’re certainly looking forward to playing an international team. There are guys here coming up from Academy contracts that are all on the tour and are really looking forward to the challenge.”