Experience tells as Munster win HC showdown
Luke Narraway burst
By Cherry Picker
April 6 2008
Gloucester were again found wanting on a big rugby occasion as Munster powered their way into the Heineken Cup semi-finals with a 16-3 win at Kingsholm. Scoring only three points in a home game, no matter how strong the opposition and no matter how much effort you put in, is not a good return for a side with Gloucester’s aspirations, and the big question now is: What happens next?
Munster produced a thoroughly professional display that not only quelled the Glaws fire, but at times threatened to do what has usually been impossible – silenced the cherry and white hordes.
As in last season’s GP final, when the chips were down Glaws came up short and perhaps the theory in the first half of the season that their galloping form could be misleading was right.
Coach Dean Ryan told the BBC: “A number of small margins were always going to decide a game like this one, and you have got to give Munster credit. "We had to play the game slightly differently - we had to be prepared to do that - but I believe we are heading in the right direction.
"It didn't happen for us against a very good side who, defensively, were outstanding."
Munster rugby director Declan Kidney added: "We probably rode our luck but it was a huge effort from the whole squad, and a huge amount of credit has to go to everyone involved.
"I am delighted to have got through, and you have to enjoy these days."
It was never a question of a lack of effort, application, fitness or even class. Just a question of experience and, at times, power.
A try in each half gave Munster their win, and Glaws made vital mistakes at decisive times when scoring chances were almost there. That meant Munster were never really threatened as they reached their seventh Heineken Cup semi-final in nine years.
James Simpson-Daniel was perhaps Gloucester’s main threat on a tense evening at Kingsholm, but no matter how disappointed the fans might be, Ryan refuses to be downhearted.
He told the club website: “I am not going to deviate from what I believe is right – I am passionate in my belief this group of players will get better for that experience.
“Munster are a team built for European rugby and have been schooled in it for years. We are slightly different, with a young core of players and a game based on movement and we did plenty of good things but couldn’t quite break through.
“That was Test match-intensity rugby and we will be better for it. We know we need to become better at certain aspects of our game but I am convinced we are moving forward.”
Fingers crossed he’s right – the players can prove it by beating Saracens as they return to GP action at Kingsholm next Saturday lunchtime.