David’s ready for Goliath
Munster have traditionally been mostly home-based Munster men from either Tipperary, Cork, Limerick, Clare, Kerry, Kilkenny — I’m including it for rugby purposes, since, in my experience, most of the rural counties in Leinster support their southern neighbours, probably to do with the sleeves-rolled-up image.
Clermont, in stark contrast, are like the rugby All-Stars.
Within their squad they have internationals from ten countries, from high-profile characters such as the recently signed World Cup-winning captain John Smit from South Africa, Mario Ledesma from Argentina, to lesser-known lights such as Goderzi Shvelidze and Davit Zirakashvili from Georgia. Well, lesser known until the gallant Georgians nearly shocked Ireland in the recent World Cup (their in-between team at that, shorn of several first-choice players).
France, of course, are best represented in the squad, but along with the South Africans, Georgians and the Argentineans (prop Martin Scelzo has also been capped for the World Cup Cinderella-boys) there are players from Fiji, New Zealand, Italy, Canada, England and Samoa — and we’re not talking about make-weights here either.
In light of all the above then, how does David Wallace, Limerick by way of Cork, feel about tomorrow’s encounter? Will the advantage rest with the home boys, playing together almost since the cradle?
Not necessarily, he reckons. “I suppose it makes a difference in terms of identity,” he concedes. “But nearly all the teams in the competition are like Clermont, players brought in from here, there and everywhere; after that it’s a matter of how they gel as a team.
“Guys have come to Munster also and fitted in very well, so it’s not that big a deal, those guys have their pride also. We’ll see come Sunday.”
When we look at the star-studded sides that visit Thomond Park during these high-profile Heineken Cup games, what we tend to forget of course is that Munster too is packed with internationals, very experienced internationals, most of those in the pack. No Paul O’Connell tomorrow, and his injury will keep him sidelined for at least another month, but in his absence Mick O’Driscoll steps in, a seasoned pro at the height of his powers. The front row is the best in this country, multi-capped, and Tony Buckley, waiting in the wings, already made a considerable impact just last week when subbing for the injured John Hayes.
Donncha O’Callaghan is a Lion, as is Wallace, and while Alan Quinlan was man-of-the-match last week, Denis Leamy is still searching for the form that made him world-class last season. Peter Stringer and Ronan O’Gara pulling the strings. Nuff said. And there’s pace and panache now in a backline augmented by exciting Kiwis in the centre.
As someone who has sampled the various atmospheres of a Lions tour, of a World Cup, of several competitive Six-Nations, David Wallace understands why this competition has gripped the imagination of rugby fans everywhere, even outside the northern hemisphere.
“I wouldn’t try to put it at number one, two or three or anything like that (in comparison to the others); every match is important but certainly the Heineken Cup is huge, particularly in Munster. I might have only a few years left so every game is important to me; as you get closer to the end they all become that bit more special. Certainly it’s up there.”
International class, these days? “I think it always has been. Club competition is often that bit more ferocious, players are together a lot more, there’s more team spirit.”
Munster have got to be prepared for some of that team spirit tomorrow. Multi-national or not, on a recent visit to Clermont what was most striking was that this is very much a club and a team in the Munster mould. Clermont, Montferrand, twin towns not unlike we have here in several areas, a rugby-mad area, a fierce pride taken in their club and in their team.
Mario Ledesma is a much-travelled man, a long way from his roots in Argentina, but just a few minutes of conversation with him was enough to convince that in Clermont he has found a home. There’s a bond in this club, he says, a spirit, that is second to none.
There is also real talent, and it poses a serious threat to Munster’s proud Heineken Cup record in Thomond Park. Last week ASM Clermont Auvergne (to give them their full title) demolished Welsh powerhouse Llanelli at home, an emphatic seven-try bonus point win. Much of the damage was done up the middle, team captain Aurélien Rougerie coming in off his wing for three tries.
Given that this was an area where Munster were vulnerable in their one-point loss to Wasps, Wallace has taken due note.
“I didn’t see the match but I’ve seen the scoreline — very impressive, obviously. I was surprised they won so well, it’s a little bit worrying. Llanelli put us out of the cup last year, so we know they’re a quality side. Welsh teams have traditionally gone well in France, we thought they might even cause an upset but to be beaten by such a margin, it certainly is a warning to the rest of us, that’s for sure. They looked very strong, particularly up front, we’re going to have our work cut out for us.”
No doubt about that, but then, would we have it any other way? What would Thomond Park – renovations or not - be like if it wasn’t a must-win situation? Munster’s only loss there came when they didn’t have to beat Leicester at the end of last season, qualification for the quarter-final already assured; this way is better, this is what has made Munster — the must-win games.
“Our backs are to the wall, but that’s the way it’s been all down the years. Actually we’re in a better position now, with the bonus point, than we were the year we won the cup (Munster lost their first match that year also, away to Sale, no bonus point).”
An omen or, in a year when the pool seems even stronger than ever, clutching at straws? Tomorrow, we’ll know.
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