JUST when you think you’ve seen it all with Munster, there’s more. Over the years, and particularly since the conception of the Heineken Cup, time and again they have defied all the opinions of the experts and logic itself to conjure improbable and often the impossible.
Miracle matches and miracle results have become their forte over the years, all of which have heightened the great love affair that exists between the Munster fans and their team. But not just Munster fans but sports fans in particular. There is something about this team that captures the imagination and winning the competition and reaching the ‘Holy Grail’ two years ago has done nothing to diminish that relationship, in fact it seems to be stronger than ever, now that they attempt to push on to join the ‘greats’ by winning more than won European Cup.
When this year’s journey began again the knockers were out saying that Munster wouldn’t get out of their group and considering that their Pool contained the reigning champions, Wasps, and the money laden French side, Clermont Auvergne, you could understand where they were coming from but once again to write off Munster is a very foolish thing. And yes while they were right about the fact that this is the hardest pool of all, with one game to go Munster’s ability to reach the last eight once again, lies in their own hands with a home match against Wasps and I have no doubt that if you handed Declan Kidney that proposition before the Pool started, he would have taken your hand and all.
The main reason why that is the case is because of Munster’s heroic performance in Clermont last Sunday. Munster went into the game as 5/2 outsiders, which is probably the biggest price they have ever been in a one off match, but considering that Clermont are second in the French league, are weighed down with top internationals and haven’t lost at home in the bones of two years, it was greatly understandable.
When they led by 20-3 after a half an hour it was even more so. In that opening thirty minutes the French side were magnificent and played Munster off the park as the visitors looked in serious trouble. In fact a drubbing, not alone a bonus point win for Clermont looked a racing certainty. But once again Munster dug in and refused to be crucified, as most teams in their situation would have been. The transformation began in the ten minutes before half-time as they were camped in Clermont territory and were unlucky not to get a try when they had one disallowed for ‘crossing’ which looked a bit harsh. But at 23-6 they still had a mountain to climb.
But once again they showed wonderful heart and above all a marvelous belief and professionalism in the second half. Not matter how bad things are or how bleak their situation looks they never give up and never panic. They have massive experience and with Stringer and O’Gara running things they never know when they are beaten.
Now too they have the best backline they ever have, with the three Kiwis, Tipoki, Mafi and the recently arrived Dougie Howlett (who was quite superb considering that he hadn’t played a match in four months), the evergreen Shaun Payne and of course the mercurial O’Gara and Stringer.
Up front too, after being battered almost into submission in the first half, came good in the second half in a mighty battle and the impact made by Alan Quinlan after his arrival was magnificent.
Once they got the try from Mafi you knew that Cler-mont were rattled and once they got inside the bonus point range you had to rub your eyes to make sure it was the same matching you were watching in the first half.
Trailing by seven (and with the bonus point in the bag) as the game hit 80 minutes, we then had to endure eight minutes of being camped deep in Munster’s own half as Clermont threw everything at them but they defended superbly and when Brock James’ drop goal attempt sailed wide, another famous result (even though it was a loss) was secured. The reaction of the Clermont players and supporters at the final whistle told the story. They could hardly believe that they hadn’t got the bonus point or that Munster had come away with one of their own. A result that puts Clermont on the back foot, even though you would be sure that they will pick up five points against Llanelli next weekend.
So what does it all mean. Well simply, Munster need to win against Wasps at Thomond Park and deny Wasps the losing bonus point, that would see them top the group and head for the Quarter-finals once again. However, if Wasps do get within seven points, then all Munster need to do is score more tries than Wasps. If they score more tries then they need to win by more than two points and they will be through.
While the odds are now stacked in their favour, I wouldn’t be getting too carried away that it is in the bag or anything like that. Wasps are a serious side and are very good travelers and of course as defending champions they will do everything in their powers to win and hold onto their title. Also, this is Lawrence Dallalgio’s last season as a player and he will be out to give himself every chance of winning a third European Cup medal before he hangs up his boots.
All in all it promises to an unbelievable game as the champions of the last two years go head to head. Whatever you do don’t miss it. Up Munster.
BRILLIANT KELLY
It was a wonderful weekend for Ferrybank AC athlete, Kelly Proper at the AAI Indoors in Nenagh. Not only did she break her own National senior long jump record, she also won two sprint events to make it a weekend to remember. Kelly really has really has come to the fore over the last number of years and really is a star for the future. Next weekend she will be bidding for more glory at the All-Ireland indoors in Nenagh. Keep it up Kelly and congratulations on last weekend.
PARK AWARDS
The Park Hotel Awards Night takes place on this Saturday night, when the supreme sports star for 2007 will be named. This scheme has been running since 1991 and it continues to go from strength to strength and this year’s candidates look to be one of the strongest list ever assembled, which will make the judges decision extremely difficult. In truth any one of the twelve nominees would make a great overall winner but as the saying says there can only be one winner. Dan Shanahan was last year’s winner and is a leading contender to do so again but there are lots of great candidates and whoever it is will be a great winner.
GAVIN IS TOPS
A big congratulations to Gavin O’Brien of Roanmore who this week is named the Waterford News & Star Juvenile Hurler of the Year for 2007.
This is the third year of these awards, where we pick the juvenile hurling team of the year and it has become hugely popular amongst the players and GAA clubs of Waterford.
Gavin had a brilliant year, which included captaining Waterford to their first ever Tony Forrsital triumph and playing a key role in St Paul’s Munster Colleges win. The presentation was made in St Pauls and thanks to Anthony Condron, Principal, for having us and extending such a warm welcome.
To see who made the grade, turn to pages 90 and 91.
