Noon tips Reds for Amlin consolation

JAMIE NOON believes Munster will go on to win the Amlin Challenge Cup following their victory over his Brive side on Saturday.

The former English international centre saw enough of Munster’s potential to believe they can win the trophy.

“They have got more than enough to go on and win it if they want to. They showed in the first ten minutes what they can do and how good they are. It’s to their advantage that they have the next match at home, and the story goes that they’re happy to play in Cardiff.”

Noon paid tribute to Munster for the style of play they produced on a day when temperatures soared into the low 30’s and for their response to every challenge laid down by his Brive side.

“We got back into it but when they wanted to they turned it on again and got the scores. Being honest, we weren’t quite sure what Munster side were going to come (show up) because they were probably a bit disappointed to be in this Amlin Challenge Cup after having so much success in the Heineken Cup.

“They were coming over to Brive, a lowly Brive, who are fighting down near the bottom of the league so it was really difficult for us to reckon what they would come with.

“But for first ten minutes, and again at different intervals, they were outstanding. We were chasing shadows and they showed real class and quality.

“Munster were in the driving seat for long periods but I thought we could nick it, but credit to Munster, every time we did get close they hit back and that shows the quality and class they have at their disposal.

“There are other good sides left in this competition, it’s not a cut and dried issue and when you get to knock out stages it really depends on what happens on the day.”

“Having said that, they’re a really good side and they respond well to pressure.”