Munster must return to basics

ROUND one of the Heineken Cup provided more drama and close calls than is normally the case.

The quality of rugby however left a lot to be desired as teams continue to interpret how best to adapt to the demands of the ELVs. In a tournament where winning home matches is vital, incredibly five of the 12 games played resulted in the away wins.

After a less than inspiring start to the Guinness Premiership the merits of the English challenge was questioned. That was firmly put to bed with five of their six participants winning — two on the road — while Bath were within seconds of causing a shock in Toulouse.

One of the less appealing aspects of the opening fare was the obsession from many teams with a kick/chase game. No doubt the fear of losing the opening contest contributed to such conservatism.

There will be a feeling locally however that Munster would have benefited had they put boot to ball for territorial gain on a more consistent basis.

The performance of the round was Sale’s excellent bonus point win in Clermont Auvergne. Anyone who attended Munster’s game there last season when Paul O Connell’s men were thrilled to return with a losing bonus point will appreciate what an outstanding achievement that was.

In contrast, bookies favourites Toulouse and Munster both had similar experiences when relying on respective ace goal kickers David Skrela and Ronan O’Gara to secure narrow victories at the death. While Bath were expected to offer a serious challenge to Toulouse, Munster’s Houdini against Montauban was astonishing.

This was the proverbial David v Goliath, the top seed playing the lowest ranking 24th seed.

Evidence suggests Munster’s pool will be decided by away wins and bonus points. Last weekend represented a two point swing as Munster would have been expected to accumulate one while Sale never entertained that possibility.

Munster now face the clash of round two when they travel to Edgeley Park on Sunday. Sale boast the meanest of defences conceding tries in only one of their six competitive games this season. Victory last Saturday was achieved without English internationals Matthew Tait and powerhouse loose head Andrew Sheridan while Charlie Hodgson lost his number 10 jersey to English scrum half Richard Wigglesworth. New signing Welsh scrum half Dwayne Peel has recovered from injury and was excellent in France. He has blinding pace and will need watching.

Tactically Munster have taken two steps forward this season but must recognise that the mix in their game was not right Friday. Their offloading game has been dazzling at times and is the way forward. On numerous occasions against Montauban, Lifeimi Mafi and Keith Earls were within inches of delivering try scoring passes. The French had done their home work however by targeting Munster hands in the tackle, recognising that they would look to deliver the 50/50 pass. This resulted in a number of knock ons.

While the execution left them down, the process was right. More patience is required and the breaks will come.

Having lost 27-16 there two years ago Munster will do well to remember that the narrow soccer pitch in Edgeley Park is not conducive to their running game and with the Sale defence so tight, a return to more traditional strengths may prove prudent in the opening half.

For this to operate, Munster’s line out must be spot on. Much was made of the fact that Munster lost four of their 20 throws on Friday night, a point exasperated by losing two within five metres of the Montauban line. However people need to recognise that with unlimited numbers now permitted in the line out, the level of competition for possession has intensified. Every team is now losing more ball on their own throw than last season.

Likewise the maul is a less effective weapon as teams can legitimately pull it down without the fear of conceding a penalty. What hasn’t changed is the opportunity for teams to pick and go as a means of sucking in the opposition. Munster do this better than anyone and would profit from introducing it in training this week.

There has been a reluctance to employ this approach so far this season, as referees are now targeting the team in possession far more vigorously at the breakdown. Players must stay on their feet. The ELV’s have resulted in less space being available, the opposite to what was supposed to happen.

Leinster also face a cracker Saturday in the RDS against former champions Wasps. The London side have had a poor start to the season by their standards and are suffering a leadership vacuum since the retirement of Lawrence Dallaglio.

Leinster will be pleased that Wasps failed to register a bonus point in defeating Castres at home Sunday and if they could win this one they will be well on the way to qualifying.

There will be an additional incentive for several Leinster players as with a Lions tour looming, Saturday presents an early opportunity to make a lasting impression on head coach Ian McGeechan who is also in charge at Wasps.

Despite the comprehensive nature of their victory in Murrayfield, Leinster will have to find another gear to win. Performing for 40 minutes against the Londoners will not be enough. The decision to move Felipe Contepomi to out half has had a stabilising effect on their backline with Brian O’Driscoll and Shane Horgan enjoying more time on the ball.

For Leinster to maximise the sum of their talents behind the scrum, O’Driscoll needs to be a more central figure. His influence is enormous. His midfield partnership with Luke Fitzgerald is in its infancy but has the potential to be devastating. The key to this game will be the performance of the respective back rows. In Rocky Elsom, Jamie Heaslip and Shane Jennings, Leinster have colossal possibilities.

In opposition, Wasps pin much of their hopes on the excellent combination of James Haskell, Joe Worsley and Tom Rees. Winning that battle will open up all sorts of opportunities for the Leinster backs.

Munster’s chances will rest solely on how they respond to two sub-par performances on the trot.

Maybe the desire to put on a show in the magnificent new surroundings in Thomond Park impacted on the games against Glasgow and Montauban. In that respect a return to basics away from home may be exactly what is needed.