A lot more in us, says confident O’Connell
O’Connell insists his side are on the cusp of their best performance of the season after producing another mixed display before securing a 26-10 victory over Castres at Thomond Park.
He admitted there was frustration in the camp, but with quarter-final qualification secured, O’Connell hopes his developing side can produce the display he believes they are capable of.
“We were a bit frustrated. We had a lot of possession and territory, were on the line for long periods and didn’t get over. We created a good bit, made half-breaks but then forced things a bit. People are a little over eager at times; we created a lot and didn’t finish them off.”
Once all the issues are ironed out O’Connell is convinced there’s a lot more in the team.
You look at the forced passes or dropped balls. We were just very frustrated, as we were last week after scoring four tries. We were making half-breaks and we just needed patience and control to make it count. Sometimes when we’re making those half-breaks we’re trying to turn them into something more than they are.”
O’Connell praised the role of full back Denis Hurley. He explained: “We’ve had our injury problems and a lot of our big players are out. It’s great to see other players now leading the team the way they are. I thought Denis Hurley was outstanding; it was everything you want from a full-back, when he ran it back, he ran it hard and if he made a break it would take two or three people to stop him.”
The skipper had words of praise for others too, amongst them Donnacha Ryan and Peter O’Mahony, who have both established themselves as first choice selections.
“Donnacha has done really well. He’s deceptively quick and very aggressive. Technically, he’s a good tackler and when he carries the ball, he carries hard. There’s a great battle amongst us at second-row, with Mick O’Driscoll, Donncha O’Callaghan, Ian Nagle and Dave Foley as well in the mix. The competition for places is making everyone up their game.”
For those who suggest O’Mahony plas too much emphasis on physicality for his own well-being, O’Connell counters: “I don’t think he needs to curb his aggression; that’s the leadership we want and people are following him. When you get young guys coming in, and they’re looking to be the best on the field and not just tread water, it gives the team a massive lift.
” Every time he’s played he’s been great. Rugby is a physical game and that’s how he plays. He’s a great guy to play behind and beside. He’s an example to every young player, what attitude can do for you. Like all the young guys coming through, that sets them apart. They all have the same skills but attitude sets them apart.”
Northampton stand between Munster and an unbeaten pool campaign
Despite his optimism, O’Connell sees it only one way: “It’s going to be an incredibly tough game. They’re the last team you’d have expected to be in their position at this stage (hoping against hope to secure an Amlin Cup spot), and they’re probably unlucky.
“There’s a bit of history between us because we’ve played each other a lot in recent times. They had the final all but won last year. It’s unusual to see them where they are, there’s a lot of pride there; it will be like a test match, a real tough one-off game.”
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