Ronan O'Gara on Munster: First law of the sporting jungle is don’t beat yourself

The Champions Cup is what Munster gauge themselves against. Spare a thought for Denis Leamy this week. Imagine, is that the best they can do to represent him? I don’t think so.

FIN: Jack Crowley, left, and John Hodnett of Munster after defeat to the Sharks. Picture: Darren Stewart/Sportsfile

WE are all from where we’re from, so when I reach for an emotive term like ‘disillusioned’ in respect of Munster’s defeat in Durban, it’s not quite as jarring as it might first seem.

The first law of the sporting jungle is don’t beat yourself. If one was to list the essential differences between Leinster and Munster, an important one would be that Leinster don’t beat themselves.