Sarries vs Munster - When the music stops…….

By King Zak
December 18 2012

Following last weeks pulsating ‘arm wrestle’ in Limerick, it was no surprise that we were entertained in a similar fashion at Vicarage Road in the return game against the might of Munster.

Saracens and Munster are very evenly matched, and not just in terms of the points scored over the two games. They play in a very similar style and both possess devastating finishers, excellent halfbacks capable of dictating field position via the boot but neither having a really creative cutting edge.

It was great to see the Old Vic packed to the rafters (well, sort of!) and there was a real sense of anticipation pre-match – much enhanced by the traditional huge Munster following. It was also evident from very early on that Saracens were not going to allow this to become a ‘home from home’ for the visitors – the first strains of ‘Muuunster’ were drowned out by the beautiful tones/infernal racket (delete as appropriate) of ‘Stand up’ played over the PA. It may not have been a popular tactic but this is hard-nosed European rugby and Saracens could little afford to allow Munster any advantage. Will it be necessary at Allianz Park? Probably, unless we can generate the sort of intimidating atmosphere associated with Kingsholm,Welford Roadetc.

Back to the rugby, this victory was based upon everything that epitomises Saracens RFC; determination, physicality, rock-solid set piece, immense defence and sheer refusal to be beaten. They are occasionally slow starters to a game, but not this time. Saracens started strongly, putting pressure on the Munster backline as they tried to run from halfway – highlighted by Barritt’s tackle on Felix Jones some 10 metres behind the gain line. It was typically positive defence from the men in black and following last week’s problems at scrum and lineout it was reassuring to see both functioning very well in the early stages.

The first scoring opportunity came the way of Saracens but Farrell was just wide with his drop goal attempt from 25 metres out. However, he had an immediate opportunity to rectify the miss whenMunsterwere penalised at the restart and he made no mistake from 45 metres out to give Sarries the lead after 9 minutes. The game continued in similar fashion,Munstertrying to break the Saracens defensive wall, and when that failed, O’Gara andMurraykicking high and deep for Goode to retrieve and send the ball back whence it came. A sudden change in tactic almost brought reward as O’Gara put in a perfectly weighted chip kick that Zebo was able to retrieve and for the first time in the game had some open field to run into. He was well tackled by Wigglesworth though and Sarries were able to clear the danger.Munsterhad a chance to draw level on 15 minutes when they won a penalty at the scrum but O’Gara’s kick drifted wide of the right hand upright. As with Farrell though, he had an opportunity to make amends moments later from a much easier position and made no mistake to bring the score to 3-3.

Saracens then started to take control of the game and a superb kick from Farrell took them deep intoMunster’s 22. It was a costly kick for the visitors in more ways than one. In chasing the ball, fullback Felix Jones seemed to pull his hamstring and as they were trying to reorganise, with Zebo moving to fullback and O’Dea coming onto the wing, Strettle found space to score in the left corner. It was a beautifully weighted grubber kick from Wigglesworth into acres of space and the winger was able to dive on the ball unhindered. Farrell made the touchline conversion seem easy and it looked like Sarries were ready to take total control of the game and the group. They won the restart and went looking for more points, Farrell fizzing passes left and right, trying to take the ball away from the onrushing defence. It was another one of these long miss-passes that created the second try a couple of minutes later – unfortunately he passed it to Munster (and former Saint) centre Downey. He made the break into the 22 and was composed enough to find the supporting Howlett who ran in unopposed and O’Gara’s conversion brought us back to 10-10.

The game continued to take place largely between the respective 22m lines, with both teams using their kicking game trying to seek an advantage. Brits was unfortunate to be penalised for taking the man out in the air when it was clearly the ‘blocker’ Murray who caused the problem and whom Zebo ‘went over’. A very kickable penalty for Saracens became a clearing kick for Munster but gradually Sarries seemed to gain control, possibly because they seemed more willing to keep the ball in hand. This nearly brought dividends when Barritt’s pass allowed Tomkins to break through the midfield. He was never going to go all the way but, as with Downey earlier, he was ever aware of his support runners and his off load almost saw Strettle sneak into the left corner again. Farrell did have one final chance in the first half, but his late penalty slid wide of the posts.

The half ended all square at 10 points each but it had been breathless stuff and thoroughly engaging. The game resumed in torrential rain and with Vunipola having replaced Gill; not quite sure why, but it gave Saracens a stronger presence around the field and at the breakdown particularly.

Both teams continued to probe with tactical kicking into ‘enemy’ territory, although the respective lineouts remained strong. On the occasion Munster failed to deal with a Wigglesworth box kick, Ashton was able to kick deep into Munster’s 22 and Zebo could only run the ball into touch. The lineout resulted in a penalty to Saracens but once again Farrell was off target with the kick at goal. O’Gara made no such mistake when he was presented with a similar opportunity on 50 minutes; Ashton getting caught in possession and holding onto the ball in the tackle. Munster were ahead in the game for the first time.

Saracens continued to play with ball in hand and nearly worked an opening for Ashton into the right corner, only another excellent intervention from Zebo preventing the try. Farrell’s knock on offered Munster a chance to clear but excellent work from Frazer won the penalty and Farrell made no mistake with the simple kick. He then pushed Sarries into a three point lead on the hour afterMunsterwere guilty of slowing the ball down. It was rather surprising to see Wyles replace Goode shortly after, possibly the rigours of England duty taking its toll; less surprising was the arrival of Smit for Brits. Brits had played well and, after last week’s debacle, had found his man at the lineout every time; but the sheer power and nous of Smit were just what was needed in such a pressure situation. There was barely room for players to breath, never mind run with the ball. On the occasion that Howlett tried to find a bit of space, Fraser was guilty of a high tackle; a clear penalty but I thought the issuing of a yellow card was a bit harsh. However, it meant Sarries were down to 14 men and, as those who watch them regularly know, this is the time they seem to relish. Munster sensed an opportunity and for the first time in the game drove deep into Sarries territory with ball in hand. The defensive effort was immense; white shirts were not just stopped, they were constantly driven back – it was so typically Saracens. They were on the verge of holding out for the entire sin bin period whenMunsterfinally won a penalty; it was of some surprise that the ever reliable O’Gara missed the fairly simple effort. With Fraser restored, Sarries went looking for more points and when Munster infringed again Farrell made light of the conditions to extend the lead to six points. It was perhaps fitting that the game ended with Saracens winning a scrum penalty, the front five had been outstanding, and then man of the match George Kruis claiming the resulting lineout. De Kock’s kick to touch signalled celebrations borne out of relief and that Saracens are once again in control of the group. That said, there’s still a lot of rugby to play and it’s too early to say who will emerge victorious from a very tough pool stage.

This was another game of hard-nosed European rugby, a few steps ahead of the average AP game, and something from which a still relatively young Saracens team can only benefit and grow. Kruis was adjudged MoM but it could have been one of many. I thought Farrell had his best game at 10 in a Sarries shirt. Yes, it was his error that gifted Munster their score, but for the first time he really got the backs moving; he kicked far less than previously and was always looking to move the ball away from the contact area in an attempt to get across the gain line.

Out of interest, wonder when was the last time all four Irish teams lost in the HC on the same weekend?

Final score: Saracens 19 – 13 Munster

Saracens: 15 Goode, 14 Ashton, 13 Tomkins, 12, Barritt, 11 Strettle, 10 Farrell,

9 Wigglesworth; 1 Gill, 2 Brits, 3 Stevens, 4 Borthwick, 5 Botha, 6 Kruis, 7 Fraser,

8 Brown

Replacements: 16 Smit, 17 Vunipola, 18, du Plessis, 19 Sheriff, 20 Joubert, 21 de Kock, 22 Hodgson, 23 Wyles

Munster:15 Jones, 14 Howlett, 13 Lualala, 12Downey, 11 Zebo, 10 O’Gara, 9Murray;

1 du Preez, 2 Sherry, 3 Botha, 4 Do O’Callaghan, 5 Ryan, 6 Da O’Callaghan,

7 O’Mahony, 8 Coughlan

Replacements; 16 Varley, 17 Horan, 18 Archer, 19Holland, 20Butler, 21 Williams,

22 Keatley, 23 O’Dea

Referee: Jerome Garces (FRA)

Attendance: 16,223

Pool 1

Saracens 14pts

Racing Metro 12pts

Munster 11pts

Edinburgh 0pts

Sarries vs Munster - When the music stops…….

Posted by: TheSaracens.com (IP Logged)

Date: 18/12/2012 22:51

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Thanks King Zak for the match report.

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2013:01:02:12:19:24 by sutton_sarrie.