Munster urged to back up Páirc win by passing 'massive test' at Ospreys

Mossy Lawler knows the southern province face a difference challenge at Bridgend’s 8,000-capacity Brewery Field.

Munster skills coach Mossy Lawler at training with players on Monday. Pic: INPHO/James Crombie

Mossy Lawler has warned his Munster players there can be no drop-off in intensity when they switch back from European rugby to their URC campaign and a tricky trip to Ospreys in Wales this Saturday.

Despite a bonus-point 31-3 victory over Gloucester in front of 36,000 supporters at Cork’s SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh last Saturday, there were enough mistakes in Munster’s performance to raise alarm bells among head coach Clayton McMillan’s coaching staff, not least the number of try-scoring opportunities wasted against a weakened English PREM club who had pegged the province to 12-3 with 20 minutes to go.

Add to that an Ospreys side playing in the old-school environs of Bridgend’s 8,000-capacity Brewery Field and playing with the confidence of back-to-back Challenge Cup wins over Connacht and away to Montauban which belies their 13th place in the URC table after six rounds and Munster cannot afford an off night against the Welsh region.

“It was a great spectacle in relation to the fan base in Cork and playing down there in Páirc Uí Chaoimh,” skills and assistant attack coach Lawler said on Monday. “I think as a club and as a staff and as players, we left it a little bit frustrated in relation to our inaccuracies inside in the 22. So, that message was clear to all today.

“We're top four in the URC, we're top four in Europe for our ability to get into the 22. Our inaccuracies in the 22 this weekend just hurt us and I suppose left us a little bit frustrated after the game.” 

Wing Calvin Nash and lock Fineen Wycherley have returned to training following respective shoulder and hand injuries but hooker Diarmuid Barron failed a post-match Head Injury Assessment at Pairc Uí Chaoimh and is ruled out as he goes through his return to play protocols. McMillan last Saturday night signalled there would squad rotation on the horizon with Ireland internationals required to take time off from at least one game of the next three over Christmas and ahead of Thursday’s team announcement, Lawler said of selection: “We have a fair idea. I suppose we'll pick teams that we think will, I suppose, two weeks in advance. But look, professional rugby is chopping and changing.

“We'll always look to give guys opportunities and get them in where we feel is best for them. But as I said, we can't look too far past this weekend. It's an unbelievable, tough test going away to Wales and the Ospreys in Bridgend. So, this week will certainly be just taking it as it comes.

“This weekend is a massive game. The Ospreys are playing some really good rugby and put it up to you in relation to their kicking game as well. So, we are going to pick as strong as we can to make sure that we go to Wales and get the job done.

“Obviously, there'll be opportunities for some. But we’ve got to make sure that we put our best foot forward and attack the game as we always do every week.” 

Lawler has experience of taking a Connacht team to Brewery Field in his former post, and described the venue as “cool” and “old school”, though it represents a stark contrast from the 36,000 who were at Pairc Uí Chaoimh last Saturday.

“I suppose both supporters are as passionate as each other. The turnout in Cork on Saturday was amazing. We all love playing in Cork.

They come out in their droves and always are 100 per cent behind the team. I suppose the Ospreys are the same, moving to a local ground. The crowd are literally on top of you. So, it makes for a great night.

“They're a serious team. They pose a huge threat in relation to their territorial game. They have a really good kicking game and put you under serious pressure and force you into errors. And then when they get you in your own half, they've got a really good attack under Mark Jones. So, certainly a massive test for us this weekend.”