Duncan Casey: Rowntree's post-game honesty an encouraging hint at Munster culture

After defeat at home to Leinster on St Stephen's Day, the Reds head coach didn't mince his words.

BUILDING: Munster head coach Graham Rowntree before the game against Leinster on St Stephen's Day. INPHO/Bryan Keane

Graham Rowntree’s exchange with Marcus Horan on TG4 after Munster’s loss to Leinster on Monday only lasted 80 seconds. There was more said in the two answers he gave than we hear in 99% of pre- and post-match interviews that last twice as long. Interviews before and after matches are a fundamental part of sporting coverage. If they didn’t happen, we would quite rightly be asking for an explanation why.

In most cases, however, they are a formality and we can probably recite the answers before the interviewee opens their mouth. It’s usually dull and predictable. A successful coach will say they are happy with the result but there is work to do, and look ahead to the challenge next week. A man of the match or winning captain will speak about how they’re proud of the lads and play down their own contribution.