Rugby videos of tackles, tries, funny incidents and more: Munster restore pride with win over London Irish

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Munster restore pride with win over London Irish

Despite heading out of the tournament, Munster ended their Heineken Cup campaign on a high with a bonus point 28-14 win over London Irish in a fascinating game played in front of a packed Thomond Park on the weekend.

Scores were tied at 0-0 at halftime after an absorbing first half where neither side could get the ascendency. In the second Munster scored tries through Damien Varley, Niall Ronan, Keith Earls, and Darragh Hurley, while Ronan O’Gara failed to miss a kick.

"We were playing for our lives really," said Tony McGahan. "We were playing at home with a tremendous record, which has been gained over a long period of time with a lot of guts, spirit and passion. We certainly weren't ready to give that up. With our record at home it was important that we gave a performance."

The goal was redemption after their heavy defeat at the hands of Toulon a week earlier, and they not only restored some pride, but managed to earn a place in the Amlin Cup too.

London Irish were led superbly by Seilala Mapusua, who at times looked like he could walk on water with his incredible defense and a few moments of sublime skill. They came up short in the end though in what is now a disappointing season for the Exiles.

To compound matters, prop Faan Rautenbach has now been cited for a stamp on David Wallace. We’ll feature the clip either here or on the Facebook Page soon, so make sure you’re a member there by clicking Like, which will keep you updated.

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1st

By ResidentTroll, at January 26, 2011 12:43 pm
not really sure if earls was on side, he very likely could have been in front of ROG when the grubber was kicked through...

pick and go tries are boring

could we please have more coverage of good quality running rugby from perpignan or biarritz (ie. replays from different angles of the quality tries...)

By Luxi, at January 26, 2011 12:44 pm
A beggar just became a chooser. Hate when that happens.

By Anonymous, at January 26, 2011 12:53 pm
Amazing second half. Mapusua is a beat!

By Flinto, at January 26, 2011 1:09 pm
Mapusua should stay in Europe this guy is amazing.

By Anonymous, at January 26, 2011 1:31 pm
Just love mapasua skills, he looklike an actor playing in some bruce lee movies ;)

Munster can always survive to their traditional "boringmaul" Find new players who can continue this tradition is maybe the key for their future Hcup campaigns

By Colombes, at January 26, 2011 1:35 pm
I've never been stringer's biggest fan but he's really steadied Munster in the matches I've seen him play this year.

Have Irish got any decent centres coming through or is there going to have to be a big signing? they'll have lost a lot of experience by the end of this season and with Mapasua gone I can't place whose going to run that back line.

I don't think Munster have been particularly off form this season, it's just that there group in the Hcup has been a nightmare. On form they've put in some stunning performances (toulon at home). Although why O'Gara still tries to go high on players in the tackle is beyond me.

By Nick, at January 26, 2011 1:41 pm
ugh... if only buckley took the ball at pace no one would stop him

By Anonymous, at January 26, 2011 1:50 pm
Maybe ROG is going back to his USA root of using NFL style tackles. Lol.

By Bust-A-Move, at January 26, 2011 2:16 pm
One team showed nice skills and lost. The other one did what it always do, bored me rigid but won. The Keith Earls try is about the only exciting try of their four!

It's good that Munster aren't in the HC anymore. We'll be able to watch some rugby now!

By Anonymous, at January 26, 2011 2:17 pm
@ Luxi: Earls was onside. Paused it on tv as Rog kicked he's a foot or so behind him. As for complaining about boring pick and go tries, watch highlights from a different match if it bothers you.

Munster played their best rugby of the season in the last 10 mins. Hoping they can keep it going for rest of the season. Good to see Darragh Hurley and Mike Sherry get a bit of game time, both made good impacts.

By MCB, at January 26, 2011 2:26 pm
i hate munster

By Anonymous, at January 26, 2011 2:28 pm
i dont think anyone really likes munster rugby, apart from people obviously living/born there - they are just brainwashed into thinking its the best style of rugby around.

By Anonymous, at January 26, 2011 2:39 pm
Best brand of rugby?... at the end of the day the point of rugby is to win. We for the best part of 10 years played to our strengths... destroying everyone along the way.. if you dont like it tough sh*t go watch league

By Anonymous, at January 26, 2011 3:09 pm
I love Munster and i'm not from there. Think you all just hate Munster becasue of their success. Although they have been overhyped in recent years by the media but they still have been one of the mainstays of European rugby for over a decade.

If you dont like their style of rugby then watch any other team. Stop whinging. For years Munster have punched above their weight and won matches against the best teams in Europe by playing whatever style of rugby is neccessary to beat them. If its boring for you then that's your problem. As a fan i dont care as long as they win matches

By MCB, at January 26, 2011 3:12 pm
you phetetic haters dont know much about rugby if you think its all about running backs. the beauty of the game is also in a strong pack, good rolling maul- teamwork! dont make league rubbish out of our beautiful sport.
Munster combines all aspects of the game pretty well. well maybe not that much this season...
and ogara has a lot of weaknesis in his defence but he set up last two tries superbly and Munster won by 14...

By minstrel boy, at January 26, 2011 3:18 pm
i reckon Luxi, you are French, your comments sound like a boy who watches Hollywood soaps than real rugby. i would like to hear your comments on Boudjellal accusing ERC of fixing- he must have not seen the LIVE draw then!!! are all French bitter??!!!

By Anonymous, at January 26, 2011 3:31 pm
@ anonym.

No, not all French are bitter (even if we tend to moan quite easely or at least give this impression).

Boudjellal comment was provoking, I can conceed that but he did not mentioned "fixing", but rather missing clarity/exposure.

I guess he might need to subscribe to SkySport....

O’Callaghan, I understand (or not?), talked about the Toulon players as mercenary? Does it mean that all Irish are bitter?????

Surely not, O'Callaghan was taunting his opponent. Good for him, no harm done. So does Boudjellal....

You never know, at some times, you might have to eat your words, that you are a Irish International player or an outspoken French President ;-)

Ps: you forgot to mention that he also had a go at Leinster..... which proves that he understand which team is the best in the Hcup.:-)

By Flipje, at January 26, 2011 4:10 pm
boudjellal did this comment intentionnaly. i think he doesn't believe a word about this ERc conspiracy. He simply wants to make himself famous in the european landscape.

he just uses the same arms as bernard tapie did in the 1990's with OM (Marseille football team)

provocate, maintain his players on pressure, etc..

By Colombes, at January 26, 2011 5:15 pm
is there any englishmen playing for london irish ??????

By Anonymous, at January 26, 2011 6:12 pm
Thanks again Ronan 'The saloon door' O'Gara for this superb defense demonstration.

By ToulouseFan, at January 26, 2011 6:14 pm
@ Luxi and Colombes: think ye boys should go watch some league or 7's. I love this sport, ever facet of it. The beautiful, eye pleasing line breaks to the hard earned 6 inch pick and drive.

"boringmaul", "Pick and go tries are boring" - seriously lads grow up.

To see how much respect Munster fans give every team that visit Limerick. I'm a Munsterman and proud and we'll be back again.

By Shane, at January 26, 2011 6:31 pm
yes there are english players playing for london irish. in that match there were corbisiero, buckland, kennedy, garvey, thorpe, gibson, lamb, hodgson, thompstone, topsy ojo. and delon and steffon armitage were not playing

By Anonymous, at January 26, 2011 6:45 pm
you cant say munster are boring but they havent produced a back outside 10 whos decent in about 30years and munster fans only draw attention to themselves by being the mouthiest cunts in european rugby

By Anonymous, at January 26, 2011 6:47 pm
to shane,

why are u talkin about disrespect?
It's not because i don't particulary like the style of a team that i don't respect it.
When i say "boring maul" it also means that it's very efficient. Munster have built a golden palamares with it, it shouldn't be a shame, but a pride

Munster fans are like their team: a lot of heart and pride! i like forward phases but it doesn't mean other fans have to share a constant taste for 10men actions :) excuse us to prefer running rugby

and of course, munster will be back next year, more motivate than never!

By Colombes, at January 26, 2011 6:52 pm
I think Munster will get their revenge on the Challenge cup.

They probably won't wait next year ;-)

I really hope Munster-ASM as a final.

As for the 6 nations, they should be pretty pump up.....

By Flipje, at January 26, 2011 7:05 pm
The question about Boudjellal is an interesting one. Forget the man for a second. He is a just a loudmouth.

The point is that the French contribute the most to the HC: in terms of teams (participating, qualifying and winning), in terms of money, in terms of crowds at games. The French are spreading the game to foreign neighbouring countries. The ERC makes plenty of money from that!

For all that, and simply because we are part of the competition, we need to be treated with more respect. No it isn't normal for the draw to be shown on Sky only! We should have had the right to show it as well on French TV, just like last year.

I will not even go back over the most unfair sanctions concerning French players, the games postponed without the French clubs being told (Bourgoin again last weekend) the valid tries and drop goals disallowed etc...

One day, who knows, the camel's back will break. Maybe French clubs will have the balls to boycott the HC for a year or two.
I wonder what the Celtic and English clubs will look like with a second meaningless LV cup on their hands?

By Anonymous, at January 26, 2011 7:13 pm
Perpignan and BO highlights are already up. If you want different angles, why don't you make the damned videos yourself, Luxi?

What an assclown...

By tired of being tired, at January 26, 2011 8:12 pm
@Anomyn,

The only point I can agree with you is the fact that the ERC have not been very professional on some events that happened this year: dixit the Toulouse/Glasgow (I believed?) postponed several time and fiasco in term of communication. For Bourgoin I heard about it but I do not know the full story (Usually there is two side....just heard the french one).
As for the way the draw for the current semi-final, well it " sounds" less professional than last year....but do we know if SkySport had the exclusivity of the draw or simply some french TV did not feel like to show it????
Cannot answer that personaly.

As for the rest of your comments, well........I think you are exagerating quite a bit (to remain polite).

Boycott???? Like shooting a bullet in your own foot. Both economically and in term of quality of play (the only place where you see french team playing attractive rugby is in the Hcup not in the Top14) this is none sense....

That the French wants more influence in the Hcup or the rugbyworld (everybody does, whatever the nationality), that I can understand.

By Flipje, at January 26, 2011 8:18 pm
Bust-A-Move, you need to watch more NFL if you think ROG's tackles would be an acceptable form in that game either.

It's no secret that 90% of the time, the guy tackles like he's trying to play touch football, not any sort of contact sport. SOMETIMES though...sometimes he surprises you...

For Ireland's sake, I'd like Munster to get better at scoring more tries like Earls'. More often than not, on the international stage, when they try the Munster pick-and-drive method from the 5m line, they turn it over one way or another. Dunno if it's due to the amalgamation of Irish players from different teams or the fact that international defences are strong enough to stop that kind of play, but either way, it doesn't work.

I actually hope they don't win the Amlin Cup either. A huge blow like that would force Munster to take a second look at how they play the game and maybe that's something they could use.

PS - that chip is something ROG can do that Sexton seemingly can't. Open-field kicks is a great asset that Sexton really needs to improve on if he's supposed to be Ireland's future fly-half.

By no rain in spain, at January 26, 2011 8:27 pm
No offence RD and I know I am part of a minority rather than the majority, but you stated about a stamp and how you might feature the clip here soon....or on facebook....I don't have facebook and have no intentions of ever getting it, so I really wouldn't like that (if it was a one or the other thing).....I know this is a free site and all so I can't complain really, but I'd appreciate it if whatever happens first, that it is placed on here...

By Vin, at January 26, 2011 8:32 pm
"you cant say munster are boring but they havent produced a back outside 10 whos decent in about 30years and munster fans only draw attention to themselves by being the mouthiest cunts in european rugby".

Keith Earls, one of the youngest Lions ever to score on a lions tour, product of Limerick. The mouthy cunt comment, does that opinion come from chat forums, as in have you ever been to a Munster match? Because I've come across a number of club supporters, which will remain nameless, that need to pull their head out of their arse. Leinster.

By Anonymous, at January 26, 2011 8:48 pm
The great thing about Munster rugby is the close bond they share with the fans. Munster as a province has always been to a large extent a working class area. What makes Munster so special is the fact that they havent had until recently relied on bringing in foreign players. look at Toulon for example, you cannot say that is a French team because a)the majority of the players are not french and b) they dont play with french flair. Look at Munsters team at the weekend Varley, Hayes o Driscoll, o Connell, Wallace, Leamy Stringer, o Gara, Hurley, Earls are all Munstermen. When you consider the bench of Sherry, Hurley, O callaghan, O leary, Deasy. The likes of Alan Quinlan Donnacha Ryan to come back. But anyway to reiterate Munster have had 10 years at the pinnacle of European Cup rugby, I mean look at the top 5 appearance records in heineken-all Munstermen, Look at the top points scorer of all time - munsterman. We have had 4 finals, numerous semi finals and have been in the quarter finals every year for the past 13 seasons. So while not everyone agrees or enjoys our style of rugby isnt a concern to the team or the people of Munster, its not like they give a sh** what "ANONYMOUS" thinks, everyone loves a bit of flair and all that but the province is very passionate and proud of our brand of rugby but i suppose if you dont appreciate passion, i presume all the haters teams arent quite as successful.. or on the off chance they are ALL toulouse supporters ha

By Paul Gormley, at January 26, 2011 9:09 pm
Gormley, why is it that someone who disagrees with the current state of Munster rugby has to be a "hater"?

I may not be "Irish by Birth, Munster by Grace of God," but I'm certainly a fan. And there are a few things I'd like to see change. But hey, I guess I'm in no place to state my opinion...

...other than this being an internet forum and all...

By no rain in spain, at January 26, 2011 9:21 pm
Rainy Spainy,

Anonymous 1 said "It's good that Munster aren't in the HC anymore. We'll be able to watch some rugby now!"

Anonymous 2 said "i hate Munster"

Anonymous 3 said "i dont think anyone really likes munster rugby, apart from people obviously living/born there - they are just brainwashed into thinking its the best style of rugby around."

Anonymous 4 said "munster fans only draw attention to themselves by being the mouthiest cunts in european rugby"

Point proved? methinks so.

By Paul Gormley, at January 26, 2011 9:28 pm
Yeah, what is with the Munster hatred all of a sudden?

By Anonymous, at January 26, 2011 9:38 pm
Fair enough, Gormley. Point taken.

But also, I tend to ignore Anonymous comments completely, so I didn't really catch those.

By no rain in spain, at January 26, 2011 9:43 pm
One troll bitching about Munster posting under different 'names'. It's a compliment really. It's funny how people complain about successful teams...you don't get that sort of stuff about failed teams.

By Gav., at January 26, 2011 10:30 pm
personnaly, i don't give a f*** of all these anon who bullshit on every team. anonymous just mean that they even don't assume their words, as they worldn't be able to defend it.

i'm not a big fan of munster way to play but i respect it for the palmares and their 10 years consistency.

now, munster needs a revolution. o'connell, o'gara & co become a bit rusty

By Colombes, at January 26, 2011 11:08 pm
If you don't enjoy watching a game at Thomond Park, you don't like rugby. Incredibly passionate fans who cheer every inch gained by Munster, fantastic!

That being said, I am no great fan of many of their players. ROG's deficiencies have been duly noted (though I do congratulate him on his tenacity), Earls is very overated and does not create space on his own. POC and Donnacha are overrated as well.

Mapasua is perhaps one of my favorite players to watch. He certainly seemed up for the match!

By Canadian Content, at January 26, 2011 11:14 pm
'ResidentTroll said...
1st'

Fuck off faggot...

I may be a pain in the ass but im not that fucking sad!

By Resident Troll, at January 26, 2011 11:56 pm
@no rain in spain - doing chips through on the other teams five metre line is not a good tactic for the irish team or any other to employ because its very risky and all or nothing. also that is exactly what sexton did for bowes try against england in last year six nations so he clearly can do it. also it wasnt a good try it was an alright try with absolutely no talent shown by earls in a nothing match in the last few minutes when absolutely no one gave a shit

By Anonymous, at January 27, 2011 1:03 am
facebook? whats a facebook

By Anonymous, at January 27, 2011 4:56 am
For those of you looking for beautiful running rugby from a team based in the West of Ireland, where during the rugby season, the weather is at best described as "shocking" I apologise but lets face it, they know what works and in the words of my mother "FUCK THE BEGRUDGERS"

By Anonymous, at January 27, 2011 5:30 am
O'Gara failed to miss a kick.
Unfortunately, he obviously failed to make a tackle either.
Good lord, that man's inability to tackle anyone is beyond words, given all the offensive talents he has.

By Ben, at January 27, 2011 10:35 am
Munster do not need a revolution-yet. What I would suggest munster do during the summer is first of all move keith earls to the wing, his ability to score tries are up there in the international scene, 7 in 13 I think. I would bring through Scott Deasy to fullback. Not an outstanding player but Id much rather watching one of my own than watching someone who comes from the southern hemisphere that doesnt understand Munster or irish rugby. I wouldnt go and splash the cash on big name players ala De Villiers or Howlett. What I think they should do is spend the whole summer trying to tempt Tipperary man mike ross back to Munster- i know Leinster have given him his chance but his province need someone to shore up the scrum and with Hayes nearing FOURTY and Buckley not able to hack scrums it would be a great signing. Also the time to bring tommy Bowe back to Ireland. Hes already stated if he were to move, hed choose Munster over leinster and with Hook, Henson and probably byrne moving on from the ospreys, will he really want to stay there? Also the irfu after 2011 world cup want their players playing in Ireland. Also I think Keatley coming to Munster is almost a formality at his stage. So if Flannery can make a comeback which at this stage I amnt convinced although his line out throwing is up there with the best in the world, the scrum being shored up and still have penetration in the backline, next year could be a good year for munster. wishful thinking i know but its all we can hope for really.

By Paul Gormley, at January 27, 2011 10:50 am
Ben, ROG can tackle small players, or those of similar size, however he is a weak link in any team he is in, however all teams have weak links somewhere.... However he makes up for that with his offensive play....

Look at stringer, small SH not great at tackling (tries but gets screwed 90% of the time) but his passing and aggressiveness is fantastic. I'd pick him anyday!!

By Anonymous, at January 27, 2011 1:01 pm
Hahahaaaa. The jealousy of Munster on this page is brilliant. All you monkeys with your shitty little teams like Blues, Warriors, Harlequins and the rest couldn't win an argument with yourselves. Munster are the greatest club rugby team in the world. Not Crusaders, not Ospreys, not Toulouse. Munster. So fuck you all. There's a reason the SH national teams play Munster and not any of you cunts. It's respect. Something your teams will never have.

By Anonymous, at January 27, 2011 1:05 pm
@ Paul Gormley: I agree that Munster need to spend the rest of this season and the summer bringing through young players. But Scott Deasy is rubbish. Saw him play for Cork Con recently and he was complete shite. Felix Jones would be a better option. Ross wont come back, why would he? Starting for probably the best team in Europe. Rumours are that they're trying to sign ma'a nonu but nothing set in stone, would gladly have him in the team. Both Leinster and Munster chased Bowe last season but he committed to the Ospreys for the next few seasons unfortunately, got Johne Murphy instead who has been very good. As u stated i think it's a lot of wishful thinking. Would like to see more academy players brought through and given game time in magners. Mcgahan doesnt seem interested tho

By MCB, at January 27, 2011 1:40 pm
Any chance of the leinster highlights!?!

By Anonymous, at January 27, 2011 2:23 pm
Both Jones and Deasy are talented enough. MCB thinks Deasy is rubbish, can't agree with that, he's a great defender (his turnover lead to the move for 4th try v Ulster) and good runner. Jones has been very unlucky with injury and is international class if he gets an uninterupted run, skillful, good kicking, low error count and big defensive tackler.

As I've previously stated on other posts, Nonu would be the wrong choice. Conrad Smith has declared an interest and would be the better signing. Make it happen Munster branch.

I have a belief that Hayes only started this game because it was his last HCup appearance and as the most capped HCup player that seems right. But now I hope I never see him in red or green again. Neither he or Buckley can scrum, but I'd take Buckley on 1 leg anyday over Hayes for his impact around the field.

At the game and although attendance was huge, the crowd couldn't get going. Until the last 15min it was embarassing error ridden rugby. If Munster had played Leinster like that, the way Leinster are playing, it would've been a humiliation.

By Huh!! the 3rd, at January 27, 2011 7:01 pm
Loving the super-slow-mo footage of O'Gara's latest speedbump impression - 0:35 right through to 0:53.

How is it possible , that in so many years of access to the highest level of coaching and training, he's never been able to improve his tackling technique? I mean, I know he's relatively small but even so...

I really do admire him though for sticking at it. He never seems to shirk a tackle even though he knows he's going to get smashed.

By Von, at January 28, 2011 8:51 am
People hate teams which win without trying to play 15 man rugby. Munster do/did that.

But you can´t blame them. Any team with the luxury of those forwards (although they are maybe a bit passed it now) and a 10 like ROG would do the same.

Good for the game now though that they didn´t qualify. They just didn´t deserve it this time.

By Anonymous, at February 04, 2011 11:59 pm