Skipper hails hero Nagle
Munster won 10 line-outs in the crucial first half as they played into the teeth of a gale, Nagle was the main target from the accurate hands of Damian Varley, with Billy Holland an occasional ally and always a threatening presence on the Australian lineout.
And, in the aftermath of the battle, Munster captain James Coughlan paid tribute to the trio and particularly to man of the match Nagle.
“This is a starting point for a lot of guys, a night when they proved they can stand up and match up against the best,” said Coughlan.
But, on a night when weather intervened, Coughlan sized up the situation and opted for territory rather than fancy tactics. It was a masterstroke having won the toss to play into the wind.
“We knew at half-time we were in a good position,” said Coughlan of the 6-6 scoreline at the break. “It was a question of playing the game in their half, we hadn’t in mind anything fancy, just to keep them penned in because we knew from our first-half experience how difficult it was to kick for distance out of defence.
“This was a chance to show how good we can be and the youngsters were immense but Tony (McGahan), Laurie (Fisher) et al played a huge part in the build up.
“I really am proud of the young guys; a few of us were involved in the All Blacks game and it was suggested we use it as a springboard. The younger lads know now that they’re of a standard and it’s their chance now to stand up and show they’re good enough to put on the jersey on a week by week basis.”
Paul Warwick kicked all of Munster’s points against a team he might well have lined out with had he decided to stay in Australia several seasons ago. “It was a memorable night, delighted with that performance, it was horrible (weather), miserable and something we’re brought up on — me being a Munster man now, of course — and the Australians wouldn’t know much about those conditions.
“I felt we could control the ball and we did, but I’d have to pay tribute to the forwards for the huge amount of work they did. To compete like they did against a big physical pack and come out on top was, I reckon, a huge bonus for Munster going forward.
“People go on about players potentially coming to the end of their careers and some say there is nobody to replace them — well it didn’t look like that tonight, did it?”
“Tonight the young lads took it to a different level. The confidence that the young guys can take out of this win should be amazing and hopefully it will be reflected in what happens at the back end of the year.”
The former Glenstal student and Mallow native is only 22 and many feared that he would run out of steam having turned in a massive first-half performance, during which he and hooker Damien Varley struck up an inspired relationship. But he kept going like a man inspired and if this game is any indication, Munster have a readymade replacement for legends like Paul O’Connell, Donncha O’Callaghan and Mick O’Driscoll.
The man from Queensland turned the screw on his fellow Aussies with an absolutely inspired performance at out-half. He hardly put a foot wrong and if his three penalty goals and two drop goals were the difference between the sides on the scoreboard, his leadership in the number 10 shirt was nothing short of majestic. Munster are indeed fortunate to have both Warwick and Ronan O’Gara available to them.
The Cork Constitution man is third in line in Munster’s scrum-half pecking order but after this latest highly impressive display, Tomás O’Leary and Peter Stringer will be looking over their shoulders. It was no night for a number nine who likes to attack and pass in equal measure but Williams adapted himself to the requirements of the game like a veteran while his passing was assured and accurate throughout.
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