‘We will be better for the Thomond experience’

JOE VAN NIEKERK thought he had just about experienced everything in rugby – until he led Toulon onto the pitch at Thomond Park on Saturday.

The South African international back rower described the atmosphere as “truly electric” and admitted the venue lived up to its enviable reputation in European and world rugby.

“When you’re playing at home, it makes a big difference; we had heard about this place, that it is a type of fortress for them and there is no doubt it was, it is. It’s a fantastic venue and the atmosphere was incredible,” said the Toulon skipper.

Niekerk has been in France long enough to know that away fixtures provide the type of challenge needed to help mould a successful team, but he felt this test probably came too soon for his charges.

“The crowd were on our backs most of the time so, yes, that probably affected our performance; remember this was all new to us, it was our first away fixture in the Heineken Cup and it would probably have been better had the opposition not been Munster. I will say this, playing against a side of that reputation was amazing and, although the scoreboard didn’t show it, we’ll be better for the experience.”

Toulon surprised even themselves with an opening try after 50 seconds and Niekerk couldn’t have asked for a better start. “Perfect, it couldn’t have been better, but somebody failed to get that message across to Munster. Still, at eleven points down, we felt we were in a good place at half time.”

Philippe Saint-Andre has suffered enough at the hands of Munster at Thomond Park as coach of Gloucester, Sale and now Toulon, but defeat wasn’t anything less than he expected.

“Of course we came to win, but it’s a tough, demanding place. It’s tough enough when you play 15 against 15 but when your players get yellow cards, it becomes much harder.

“The first card on George Smith was harsh, but we didn’t react very well to it. Munster used the situation to their advantage; they were magnificent, played with a lot of urgency and got the scores that counted. Overall, Munster were too well organised and they did all the right things. It was a fantastic display,” said the coach.

Saint-Andre found it hard to explain how his side, with the meanest defence in the French Super 14, leaked six tries. “I don’t know, we will have to look at each of them, but would have to give credit to Munster for the intensity with which they attacked us.”

While he said the Super 14 was a higher priority for Toulon, he insisted they would fight to the bitter end of this tough group.

“We played two and won one; that means we’re still alive. The major thing is to get back on track and win next week’s French league game. We had five wins in a row and our aim is to turn this loss around, win some matches in our domestic competition and bring that momentum back into the Heineken Cup.

“But yes, the French league is most important for us, probably because we are not favourites in this (Heineken Cup) pool. Remember, 18 months ago we were fighting against relegation, three years ago we were in second division and now we play against the best team in Europe. It’s about progressing.”

The return fixture with Munster at Stade Felix-Mayol is in mid January and Saint-Andre promised a hot reception.

“Just as Munster take pride in Thomond Park, we pride ourselves in our stadium and our supporters; it is a great place and I hope Munster will feel then how we felt here in Limerick .”