Maybe Munster’s discipline is the problem

NOT a single member of the Munster squad or management was prepared to say a derogatory word about French referee Christophe Berdos or criticise the IRFU for keeping their key players in cotton wool almost up to the eve of Saturday’s crucial Heineken Cup tie against Northampton Saints.

However, there was an undercurrent of resentment on both counts, even if it was a cracking encounter. Frustration was palpable and evident for all to see. Furthermost in their minds was the failure to sneak a win at the end after being awarded a penalty within touching distance of the Northampton posts.

“We took a quick tap with Marcus (Horan) rather than a scrum and we felt they lay on the ball but the ref saw it otherwise,” explained skipper Paul O’Connell. “He said the ball was stuck in there and couldn’t come out. It would have been a scrum to us, I presume and that means, since it wasn’t a penalty, we didn’t get another play. Time was up.