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Munster 29-6 Racing Metro
Good afternoon, and welcome to our liveblog. Here are the teams:
Munster: F Jones; D Howlett capt, K Earls, J Downey, S Zebo; Ian Keatley, C Murray; D Kilcoyne, M Sherry, BJ Botha; D O’Callaghan, D Ryan; P O’Mahony, T O’Donnell, J Coughlan.
Replacements: D Varley, W du Preez, J Ryan, B Holland, P Butler, D Williams, JJ Hanrahan, C Laulala.
Racing Metro 92: G Germain, J Jane, G Bousses, A Dumoulin, S Bobo, O Barkley, M Belie, J Brugnaut, B Noirot, B Sa, K Ghezal, F Metz, A Batut, B Le Roux, J Cronje,
Replacements: T Bianchin, A Lo Cicero, JP Orlandi, J Qovu Nailiko, B Fall, S Dellape, S Descons, M Matadigo,
So a quick poll before we get started. Will Munster qualify for the next round?
Poll Results:
(General view of the coin toss with referee Wayne Barnes and Munster’s Doug Howlett with Jacques Cronje of Racing Metro – INPHO/Dan Sheridan)
There’s several permutations that can result from today’s game. Here’s one of the more unlikely ones:
Munster, led by Doug Howlett, have emerged from the dressing room to a rousing reception.
It’s a good start for Munster. Ian Keatley has kicked to the corner following some early pressure.
It’s perfect conditions for try-scoring incidentally, which will obviously suit Munster.
Antoine Batut has been sent off already for a knee to the head.
It’s difficult to see it properly from replays, but it appeared harsh.
Munster have just wasted an excellent opportunity to score a try.
Keith Earls receives the ball deep in the visitors’ 22, but he backs himself to get over the line, when he would have been better off passing it to one of his colleagues in a better position.
Racing clear their lines shortly thereafter.
Ian Keatley has just accidentally smacked the ball straight at Wayne Barnes.
That looked a sore one.
Racing 3-0 Munster: Munster have been sloppy in recent minutes and they’ve been made to pay.
They concede a penalty, which Germain subsequently slots over comfortably (11 mins).
Munster currently have a scrum on the Racing 22.
The hosts have dominated territory-wise, but they haven’t really played the kind of flowing, attacking rugby that they aspire to, as of yet.
So 18 minutes gone and Munster still haven’t scored.
As the game develops though, the extra man for the Irish side and their dominance of possession will surely tell, as Racing grow weary from being made to work so hard.
Racing certainly are making life incredibly difficult for Munster at the moment, wh0 look a little short on ideas at the moment.
We’re over halfway through the first half of a game that’s been filled with stoppages, which will frustrate the home side.
Any suggestions that the French team would roll over, given that they have little to play form, have undoubtedly been proven incorrect at this stage.
It’s all gotten a little heated, as a few minor scuffles break out.
The referee decides not to issue anyone with a yellow however, and Munster retain their original penalty.
Munster 7-3: Racing: Conor Murray retrieves the ball deep in opposition territory, and shows remarkable power to drive over the line despite the attention of a few Racing tacklers (26 mins).
Keatley then makes no mistake with the conversion.
Munster 12-3 Racing: Lovely flowing rugby from Munster.
Keatley passes it to Earls who gives it to the onrushing Simon Zebo, and he crosses over the line unchallenged (28 mins).
Keatley slices the conversion just wide.
Munster 12-6 Racing: Racing produce an immediate response.
They win a penalty, which Germain expertly kicks over (30 mins).
Munster 17-6 Racing: Munster win a lineout in the opposition 22, and Sherry subsequently drives over the line (35 mins).
Keatley then hits the post with his conversion.
So Munster have really come to life in the past 15 minutes or so following an unpromising start.
They now just need one more try for the bonus point.
So half-time, and it’s been a relatively satisfactory opening 40 minutes as far as Munster are concerned.
The home side are now well in control of the contest, though looked less than assured in the opening 20 minutes, despite Racing being reduced to 14 men early on.
Racing proved claims they would be no pushovers, as they consistently frustrated Munster initially.
In the closing stages of the first period however, the hosts improved immeasurably, opening up their opponents at will and scoring three tries to boot.
The fact that Racing have a man less and spent most of that first half chasing the ball will also work to the Irish side’s advantage, with the visitors likely to tire as the game develops.
Saracens are currently leading Edinburgh 19-7, with Chris Ashton among the try scorers.
(Munster’s players with referee Wayne Barnes after the ball hits him – INPHO/Dan Sheridan)
It’s been a quiet enough start to the second half, in stark contrast with the end of the first.
Yet as I type, Munster win a lineout in the Racing 22.
Munster 24-6 Racing: The ball is passed out to Simon Zebo following a period of sustained pressure and he kicks the ball through before outpacing his opponent and collecting it again for an extremely well-taken try (48 mins).
Munster have their bonus point, and Keatley manages to kick the conversion too.
Munster 29-6 Racing: Another extremely well-worked try, as the ball finds its way out to Zebo following a series of passes, and he dashes over the line for his hat-trick (54 mins).
Keatley misses the conversion, but it hardly matters.
Fantastic solo run from Tommy O’Donnell, who is tackled just short of the line. He must be a contender for Man of the Match.
There’s no sign of Munster’s intensity dropping, despite having the bonus point secured.
Just over ten minutes remain. The game has now, somewhat predictably, hit a bit of a lull, and a number of Munster changes have been made.
It’s been a wonderful performance from the home side, and they very much deserve their place in the quarters (assuming they get it).
Charlie Hodgson has just got a bonus point try for Saracens, so that means Munster will almost definitely be playing a quarter-final away from home.
“Most Irish people will now be 100% behind Munster,” says the Sky commentator, seemingly forgetting that Ulster are still in the competition.
(Munster’s Simon Zebo runs in for a bonus point try)
Racing are down to 13 men, as Matadigo has been sin-binned for a tackle off the ball.
Simon Zebo has unsurprisingly been named Man of the Match.
So the only result that can send Munster out is for Toulouse to lose (pardon the pun) against Leicester while scoring four tries in the process.
Either way, it’s a fantastic achievement for Rob Penney and his men, in his first year in charge of the province.
So plenty of positives for Munster to take from that performance – Murray, Zebo, O’Mahony and O’Donnell were all particularly impressive.
Following a slow start, Rob Penney’s enterprising brand of rugby paid off, as the hosts secured a comprehensive bonus point victory, albeit against a team who had nothing to play for and competed with 14 men for the majority of the contest.
Consequently, barring a freak victory in the Leicester game, they are in the next round, and they’ll surely be a team that most sides will want to avoid on basis of this afternoon’s performance.
Obviously this bullshit soccer hooligan type rivalry comments are not from true rugby fans. Something puts rugby fans above other sports fans it’s called Respect. Come on Munster ! But I will back any Irish province that gets through.
I think it’s more friendly banter, nothing better than good ole slagging match! We will all be singing off the one hymn sheet come the six nations.
It’s that kind of D4 elitism that prevents rugby being more popular in Ireland, Mike.
Nothing to do with D4. As a Connacht fan the Leinster/Munster thing is painful and tiring argument that ruins nearlt every good rugby debate.
Also it is very sad that come the six nations there will always be idiots who will never support Heaslip/Zebo to name but two.
Hopefully, to shut up the both of ye, Ulster and Connacht have a good few players in the Irish team, Ulster win the Cup and Connacht get another bash at it!
I was born and bred in a working class area in north dublin and now living in D4 but due to a limerick rugby nut of a primary teacher who flew these poor kids down to Shannon on a Boeing 707 (yes that long ago) I got my love of rugby and a supporter of Munster all my Leinster friends five me the slagging but I’m down in thomond as often as I can can I do hate the Leinster fans attitude, I’ve been to Cardiff and twickwers cheering their team on but I’d doubt if they’d support Munster.
I’m born in Munster but raised in Leinster played rugby all my life . Never played for a d4 club there is only a few clubs in d4 the majority of clubs are in working class or rural areas. Always supported any other Irish team in the knockout stages when Leinster got knocked out. The only time I’ve seen Irish rugby fans not support the Irish team playing has been Munster fans supporting Leicester in 08. Though I would say they might have been bandwagon jumpers cos most Munster supporters are proper rugby supporters.
Emmet, there’s Railway Union, Monkstown, Wanderers, Wesley, Bective and Lansdowne, played for railway for a time myself, good club and a good bunch of lads
Come on Munster!
Munster Abu
Stand up and fight !!! Munster Abu
Ran frantically through the snow in London to catch the game…Mumhan Abu!!
Absolutely gutted about Leinster..We’ll get the 4th star next year, but well done Munster. Best of luck to Ulster & Munster in the finals. Let’s keep the Cup in Ireland! :)
That would be nice but a huge challenge, Clermont are the favourites.
Come on Munster!!!
Come on munster!!
The poll shows 21% voted for “other” for will Munster qualify. What the hell does other mean …
amlin challenge cup?
A great win for Munster today. Now drive on and make it 3 3. Your well capable of it.
My previous comment doesn’t read quite the same without the big happy yellow smiling face I had put at the end. 3 3 what a joke
Hey Leinster…. Is it cold there in our shadow?
Come on Leinster …. Munster arent good enough to win the heineken cup and should wear the green jersey and lie down so Leinster can win three in a row
Dream on
Idiot
Well done Peter! Only idiots I have ever seen were the 6 Munster men cheering on Leicester when Leinster won its first Heineken! First time finalists too!
Leinster aren’t good enough to get out of the group stages, Peter I am actually embarrassed for you!
Oops ! Lonster gone !
Come on Lenster
Bye bye Leinster
Munster
Leinster
I wish Munster the best in the next round and hope the Leinster supporters support them too. Leinster were in a very difficult group and its sad to see such a good team going out looks like the winners will be CA
Well said, gutted for Leinster and such a shame such a good team out of the competition so early. Wouldn’t bet against Claremont at the moment but will be cheering on Munster & Ulster in the quarter finals.
Great comment! I am sad to see Leinster go, but cant contain my excitement at this Munster performance and our most likely place in the final stages of the European Cup! MUNSTER!
Come on Edinburgh
Knock the Leinster men into the sea, just like we did at the battle of Clontarf.
Munster- Ború Abú
O god.. We are subjected to watch 80 minutes of Munster muck..
George shut uuuup!!!
New invention called the remote kid try it some time ;) you can watch whatever channel you want. Amazing hey ;)
And another 80 minutes in the quarters!!!!
Enjoy the Amlin, send a card, we’ve never been so can’t commenting its appeal
Don’t worry George, I’m sure Grey’s Anatomy is on some channel
Cheers we will.. Don’t count your chickens your not there yet.. Leicester/Toulouse game to come they are both european heavy weights it will be one to watch.
Least we don’t have Leinster crap to read about
Munster have never been in the amlin? Genius statement! http://limerickpost.ie/index.php/navigation-mainmenu-30/dropline-menu-mainmenu-34/3089-munster-dumped-out-of-amlin-cup.html Care to reconsider that?
george is a example of everything thats wrong with certain rugby fans
Allez les Blues – should that not be Cheerio les Ladies !
2010????
George – lets not forget that Munster have scored more tries in the tournament than Leinster!
History Channel !
Leagues don’t lie! So if Munster get through they will have earned it. Another plus is that it will get rid of the blue arsed bandwagoners!
That chip on your shoulder must be quite sore
George…. You don’t have to watch… Unless you are tied to a chair in front of a tv with your eyes taped open, clown!!
I may as well be my house mates are from limerick!! Racing playing well tho. You’d never think they are down to 14!
Really can’t see Munster getting another 3
Another 2
Sorry another 1
Plus 1 now Elrat! Oh deary me!!!
if you’ve got Limerick housemates I wouldn’t go repeating any of your comments to them. We’re not called the 16th Man for nothing!!!
Munster probably don’t deserve to qualify on basis of performances this season. Leinster have better chance of progressing if they get to qf’s
Ridiculous comment. How about Exeter at home and Clermont double header? Munster get the 5 pts and Leinster out on the basis of their own performance, not Munster! Getting a bit sour are you?
Sour grapes?!
Ridiculous comment. The problem with a lot of Leinster supporters is that they have become fans of the sport/team very recently due to the phenomenal success of the team. Leinster are, without out doubt the 3rd or 4th best team in Europe today, behind Clermont, Toulon and Ulster and there is no question that they were put in a more difficult group than Munster this year, however these people, because of their lack of knowledge have no idea that Munster had a tougher group in 08 including Clermont and Gloucester when they won, Leinster didn’t make the cut this year because they couldn’t handle Clermont ( not that Munster could have, or will when the beat quins) and they were very lucky that they weren’t beaten last year in the semi final by a better Clermont side. If you make a comment like Leinster should be in and Munster should be out you are letting yourself down publicly with terribly misguided comments. Munster Abu.
I have been a Leinster supporter all my life 50 years and love rugby which many of my family have played with distinction . But god protect me from such sanctimonious claptrap! I was there at Munster games with the few hundred faithful … The Munster bandwagon only coincided with the Heineken cup!!! Both teams have a loyal base thru the years which success expanded….
What do you want Johnny? A medal? An Amlin medal of distinction perhaps?
That d be great thanks
@ Johnney,
You are talking through your arse! Leinster supporters jumped on the band-wagon, Munster have always had the best support. I have followed them all my life, and Thomond Park has always been known as a “cauldron”.
The All- Blacks and Wallabies have fallen there.
Before the Heineken Cup, Munster dominated inter-provincial while Leinster could barely get a few thousand supporters at Donnybrook.
Shannon, Garyowen and Young Munsters dominated the club scene.
If Thomond Park had a 50.000 capacity it would be full for every Heineken Cup match. Leinster have to move to the RDS because a half empty Aviva has no atmosphere!
You may talk about having a tradition in Rugby, but you have let yourself down with your ignorance.
Leinster may have the population, but they will never have the tradition, history and true knowledgeable support Munster have.
Enjoy your pint and prawn sandwich at the Old Belvedere clubhouse.
In the above poll- 54% voted Munster would not qualify!
So 54% of Leinster supporters know absolutely nothing about rugby! I am surprised I would have thought at least 75%.
MUNSTER!!!!
Leinster Leinster Leinster :) Come on Metro!!!!
Fool
Clown
Wanted muster to go out today for leinsters sake, but now they are through, hopefully themselves or Ulster can go all the way. I’ve got my Amlin cup final tickets just bought :) And there’s a good chance by the time the next round comes around munster will have there shit back together. Leinster ultimately where undone by injury and the french. An anyway weakened team stands no chance against Clermont, money bags Toulon couldn’t do us a favour yesterday even with a great team and another great team on the bloody bench, and Racing Metro couldn’t be arsed showing up, just goes to show what french clubs spirit is like, if they had half the heart of connacht they’d have done munster today, even with a shite team out. ANYWAY, Ulster v Muster final in Dublin, connacht to qualify again next year and finish the league strong, and Leinster to win the Amlin and Pro 12, :)
I beg to differ Mr Tower. I play for a working class club. No elitism here boy, I just believe in respect for other teams and fans, friendly banter is one thing but hatred between supporters is bollocks
Come on Munster :)
If Munster qualify over lensiter don’t that mean Munster performed better this year. I’m sure that’s how it works right ?? Most points/try’s etc. I could be mistaken on this an maybe it’s the man in the pub that has the say on who goes thought lol
Half way there 30 mins on the clock, 50 mins to get 2 more I see 4 more. Leinster I hope your watching and taking notes!
14men second string with nothing to play for! Munster got it handed on a plate
We’re watching allright , at a team who won’t beat harlequins if you progress.. Nice to see another Irish team in the quarters though.. A strong Munster Is good for Irish rugby but harlequins too strong this year….
@ Joan, there is always next year! Enjoy the Amlin cup! (that is the second-string competition Leinster will be playing in) I am sure you know hat with your extensive rugby knowledge!
@ Piohmy, Harlequins topped the softest group in the Heineken cup, there couldn’t be a better draw away from home for Munster! Thank you for your insight though.
Tony, Harlequins group was handy all right.. sure didn’t the handy biarritz beat Munster 18-7 in semi final just two years ago.,
Yeah that 2nd string tournament that Munster choked in 2yrs ago against harlequins that team you have just written off….. Wish Munster all the best but they haven’t a prayer it’s clermont or ulster for me. The 1st Irish team to win the amlin sounds nice !
@Tony. You live in fantasy land. Quins will hammer Munster.
Lads should ye not be discussing the Amlin Cup? I will look forward to Q/F while have a cry over what might have been. The stench of “sour grapes” is sickening. Emmet this is 2013 not 2011 are you a Liverpool supporter also, harking on about irrelevant past events…GET A LIFE!
Pathetic response tony . Bohemians a good Irish team
Don’t count your chickens yet tony, Leicester bonus point win & two losing bonus points from Toulouse will see Munster into the amlin also.. Not likely though but something to keep an eye on..,
Thanks lads for the insightful comments, I hope ye don’t feel as stupid as yer predictions. I’ll send ye a postcard from the Stoop!
Ha ha Amazingly quick response tony.. You must have some amount of chickens if it took you over two hours to count them.. Best of luck in twickenham.. See you in thomond 2nd week of April..,
Squeaky arse time for Leinster!
Well done Munster great spirit – “We plays for Ireland-we die fir Munster”
Good to see the Racing under 16 development squad really put it up to Munster.
Delighted that leinister got knocked out the most overrated team in the Heiniken cup.
Overrated?? Oh be quite! Did u miss the part where we won it back to back??
Slán leat luuuunnnnssssttteeerrr
Anyone who writes off Leinster is off their trolley! Lets not forget being crippled with injuries in the first half of the season, plus the very tough group we got. I’d like to see Madigan, O’Malley, Macken, Reid and Conway get game time in the Amlin and blood them for the eventual retirement of BOD and The Darc. Congrats to Munster, though I fear for them at The Stoop…….
It’s called having a squad not excuses!
@tonygalvin. You really need help
Well done Munster.
The stench of sour grapes is all over this thread!
Can smell it here in MUNSTER !
Enjoy the Amlin. That’s 2nd division isn’t it?
Fair play to Munster, they achieved what was required. Both ulster and Munster will be up against it in next round away from home. Munster will have to improve but least have time to prepare and get a settled side. Roll on 6 nations and de Welsh.
Where’s 5*fily ?!
Attention Paul Fennessy,
Where is my comment/prediction about Munster scoring 6 and Leinster taking notes?
That poll should be deleted because obviously Leinster rugby Trolls are doing most of the voting!
Sorry I see it now, i hate being right!
Munster making hard work for themselves 4 tries look along way away
Not so long away now
Having Clermont in the group was a tough nut to crack… Munster had a bit of an easier group and did well to get out of it. Clermont have to be the favourites!
It’s a quarter final folks anything can happen but I do fear the quinns
I’m an old fashioned rugby union man, I like the game played with big hard forwards, crashing, rucking and mauling,giving the backs space to run! If you want to play a fast running offloading and flowing game then go and watch rugby league!
Good man SZ
Here David O’Gorman’ Its called having a bit of banter buddy.. Well done to Munster.. I called you out as you called me a fool and hid your reply option so you could hide foolishly!!! :)
After a year as the 3rd rugby Province in Ireland, I am delighted to see Moanster starting to come back to the top level
Delighted Munster got through, the way it’s panned out isn’t great. Would’ve been nice to see three Irish teams make it through. Hope the ulster boys go well, I’d be afraid going to the Stoop, Quins will be a tough nut to crack and hats off to Conor O Shea, He has them going really well. Leinster might bring back the Amlin yet.
Come on Munster
Ulster win a lineout in the Racing 22. Getting confused Paul????
That’s it George boy keep it up, fair play
We,ll have the Amlin cup when the cart horses have only the memory of being ignomiously dumped out of the HC by Q uinns
Whatever
Nice one Munster, sad to see Leinster out but such is Life. Would love to see a Munster Ulster final, is that possible or would they meet then.
YYYYYYYYeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Early bed for you…
odds on Peter o Mahoney scoring the fourth?
O’Mahony you mean!
Just give up sullivan
BUT IF LEISTER ND TOULOUSE DRAW DOES LEINSTEIR GO THROUGH]
No Leinster are gone, welford rd can only upset Munster
NO!
Great stuff from Munster. Conor Murray is doing a great show
*job
Ah jeez ye wouldn’t post my comment
Anybody reminded of France v Wales Semi final!
NO