Come on you Saints!

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Thomand Park? Pah!

A walkover shureley.

Looking forward to a fantastic game really...

View, the group will be tight and I don't find it easy to call. However, I will, Saints to top the group!

If Munster can cut out the mistakes they will do well. I think saints were playing as well as they could.

while Barnes did well I thought chambers was more assured when he came on

Come on guys, all this saying that the ref was biased is all wrong, in my opinion.

You have to give FULL CREDIT to munster for keeping the ball alive., in the dying seconds of the game.

I agree that the final 40 odd phases was excellent. Except the missed knock on. Good by Saints to though to not give away a penalty.

Didnt see any knock on.

newbie wrote:Didnt see any knock on.

82:47 I think it was. Leamey.

newbie wrote:Didnt see any knock on.

Oh my god, they paid you off too????

I give Munster full credit for the final five minutes of phases.

And to be honest Owens didn't ping either side for their offences.

However it is the previous 85 minutes that I have a problem with. He stuffed the Saints right and royally.

A homer.

I don't think it was a knock on. He lost control of the ball in the tackle but regathered it before it hit another player or the ground. That's legal - you can even theoretically throw the ball forward and catch it yourself and it's not a knock on.

Great grit from Munster, but it has to be said that they look like a team in transition.

Portnoy wrote:I give Munster full credit for the final five minutes of phases.

And to be honest Owens didn't ping either side for their offences.

However it is the previous 85 minutes that I have a problem with. He stuffed the Saints right and royally.

A homer.

Are you a saints supporter? I think you are being a bit silly..

His (leameys) hand landed on top of the ball so he cannot have been in control of it. Therefore, knock on. The ball can go forward as long as it does not touch another player or the ground before you regaine control.

Poorfour wrote:That's legal - you can even theoretically throw the ball forward and catch it yourself and it's not a knock on.

.

Haven't seen the incident yet so can't comment on it but no you can't throw the ball forward and catch it,refs let you juggle it in the spirit of the game but technically it should always be a knock on.
I remember against Leinster the Fijian Caucau I think it was ran through and tipped a bouncing ball over a defenders head before gathering to score a try,the penalty wasn't given as a deliberate knock on but all the commentators agreed it should have been.

Portnoy wrote:I give Munster full credit for the final five minutes of phases.

And to be honest Owens didn't ping either side for their offences.

However it is the previous 85 minutes that I have a problem with. He stuffed the Saints right and royally.

A homer.

Did the game really last for 90 minutes?

Wow the Saints fans don't half go on

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/15628483.stm

Great pic of O'Gara after landing the drop goal.

I have to say I also think the Saints were unlucky with several calls with missed knock ons, scrums etc ... And at the end when POC was judged by Nigel O to have gone through the middle of the Saints maul and turned the ball over ... How he supposedly 'ghosted' through the middle of the solid Saints pack is a mystery ... And then the scrum half feeding the ball straight to the back row's feet at the subsequent scrum ... Still it was a great game and entertaining to the end ....

Possibly the best game of rugby I have watched since the Lions 2nd test against SA

I think the calls evened themselves out to be honest. There were a number of dodgy calls on the Saints side....its clear to me that saints made hay on Munster mistakes..rather than doing anything special against a side that is definitely in transition. Munster will only get better. Cant say the same for saints

Scrum halfs always feed the ball in to the second row or back row, Munster aren't any different to anyone else in this matter. I don't like it but the IRB isn't enforcing it so its a rule there to be broken.

Stop repeating what the SKY team kept banging on about with the crooked feed at scrum time, every team does it.

Just because every team does it doesn't make it right. IRB need to really tighten up on some of the laws of the game that are not being enforced.

Ozzy3213 wrote:Just because every team does it doesn't make it right. IRB need to really tighten up on some of the laws of the game that are not being enforced.

I agree with you, but its a bit rich for fans to complain about it when their own team has gotten away with it for the whole match.

Who got the official motm btw?

If they played the rules that tight the game wouldn't function it would be stop start after every passage of play if the refs enforced the law to the absolute letter,
The refs take their own interpretation on the laws and the crooked feed isn't deemed as to much of a disadvantage to the oppose team,
the boring in that Saints do on every scrum was far more cynical.

Peter O'Mahoney the Munster No.6 got MOTM. He is a young back row with a lot of potential...from what I have seen of him in the past he will play for Ireland at some stage in the near future...puts his body on the line and a real scrapper (but an intelligent ballplayer as well).. well deserved.

newbie wrote:Peter O'Mahoney the Munster No.6 got MOTM. He is a young back row with a lot of potential...from what I have seen of him in the past he will play for Ireland at some stage in the near future...puts his body on the line and a real scrapper (but an intelligent ballplayer as well).. well deserved.

Yeah Im expecting big things from him, he'll definitely be the next Munster captain and has the potential to captain Ireland. I can't wait to watch my recording of the match it sounds great.

Just got back from the pub where I watched the match. Please pardon any nonsensical rannlings:
Ref was fine, let a lot go, but was pretty even.
Match was better than fine, much better than fine. Great teams going at it.
Winning away at Thomond Park is still, and probably will always be, a bitch
Armiteyev had a good opportunity to score, but didn't make it.
Munster are fine and will always be fine.
Saints are fine, and, I think getting better - learning how to win.
The re-match will be one for the ages,
Good win for the boys in red.

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

Poorfour wrote:That's legal - you can even theoretically throw the ball forward and catch it yourself and it's not a knock on.

.

Haven't seen the incident yet so can't comment on it but no you can't throw the ball forward and catch it,refs let you juggle it in the spirit of the game but technically it should always be a knock on.
I remember against Leinster the Fijian Caucau I think it was ran through and tipped a bouncing ball over a defenders head before gathering to score a try,the penalty wasn't given as a deliberate knock on but all the commentators agreed it should have been.

Its counted as a knock on only if it hits another player or the ground OR goes over the top of another play - It happened to Biggar last season, he juggled the ball over someones head then caught it and ran under the posts, he was called back by the referee (think it was Owens in fact)

Just back from Limerick....great game the place was hopping (like the old days). We made some silly mistakes and gifted saints a lot of points. Owens was a bit of a mixture...one minute penalising Munster for some infringement or other (which wasnt clear) and letting certain things go, on the other hand Saints scrummaging was totally illegal on occassions.

ROG's drop kick was a thing of beauty, saints defence was so disciplined but munster managed to get up to the 22 allowing ROG the opportunity and he nailed it.

POM was outstanding and was everywhere on the park as was Ryan. Murray and Johne Murphy should be apologising to their team mates for some silly play TOL was very neat and a good presence when he came on.

Howlett - just give him the ball...when he is up for a game he is immense.
Denis Hurley...was phenomenal in his overall play.
Barnes has a lot to learn but is a great talen however Chambers was coolness personified when he came on, brought the ball up well and his defense is better..if given a chance I think he will grow into the role.

Hard luck to Northampton but we did butcher some chances (Neil Ronan take a bow), but I think there are some basics to build on.

Hopefully Horan gets fit..
Ronan - no thanks..did some good things today but not physical enough.
Leamy did well off the bench.
Ryan should start next week again (gives DOC something to aim for.

Overall feeling is it felt like the saracens game from years ago..we have given ourselves a slim chance of progressing....

Last comment....make Axel Foley the coach now! Some of the forward play had his hands all over it....

Suely Axel will get the coach's job soon, just building his CV / portfolio at the moment. He too is a work in progress and personally I would rather he waits maybe thill next year when he has a little bit more experience.

But , I think he will be a very good coach indeed, especially for Munster.

Disagree Kia...Foley is ready now. Probably the most intelligent players ever and now more than capable of coaching Munster.

I think taking on a team in transition is a difficult thing to do. The old guard are passing on, and the new young bucks are arriving - thought O'Mahoney was very good tonight. I had heard good things about him and was looking forward to watching him play. But until there is a bit more of a settled appearance about the squad and the first choice of team is more apparent.

But I'll not argue with you on it. I just think that what Foley is doing is the right way about things. get your experience in all areas of coaching first. This also will mean he will have a better idea of how it all hangs together and what way he wants his forwards and backs coaches to work with him when he has the top job.

I understand what you are saying Kia but tonight the team overall played the Munster way. Its hard to explain but the forwards in all areas (except the scrum admittedly) played with aggression and no little skill. We have a team in transition but with the raw materials to improve exponentially. Players like POM and Ryan are the next generation of leaders and they showed something of the old Munster tonight (as did Howlett). Its about agression and fear of losing and putting your body on the line.

A lot of that doesnt make sense but its to do with playing the Munster way and feic what others think we should be doing. Axel Foley knows that but he is also smart enough to know his own limitations in certain areas...

In other words...we have had McGahan and Gaffney and both have moved us on to another level...however we are missing something. We reached two semis in the HC with both but we always were missing something. Kidney knew what that was and I think Foley does as well. The forwards tonight had Anthony Foleys influence written all over the performance.

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Unbelievable

Incredible

Brilliant

Superb

Rugby at its best

ROG IS THE MASTER

MUNSTER MUNSTER MUNSTER

BlueMuff wrote:Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Unbelievable

Incredible

Brilliant

Superb

Rugby at its best

ROG IS THE MASTER

MUNSTER MUNSTER MUNSTER

Hmm.

Saints only have themselves to blame; miscommunication between Ashton & Foden should have been one try; the big event proved a bit too much for the new Russian kid, with a few howlers under pressure and letting an absolute sitter go begging; the mistackling for Howlett's try was appalling; and they should have been a lot dirtier at the breakdown because it was clear Owen was letting Munster get away with murder, flopping all over the place, coming in from the side and hands over everything (smart teams adapt to what the ref is allowing).

Saints fan. Feel the bigger decisions went Munster's way but not surprised - Owens tends to favour the home teams in the games he ref's and I'm sure we have benefited from it in the past. Seemed the more obvious decisions that he missed were in favour of Munster but like others have said he missed plenty today and it probably helped a great game of rugby.

Fair play to Munster for not panicking through the final phases, takes amazing composure and skill. Agree POM looks a fine prospect but also agree with the commentators, I think he would be a better open-side as he was a real pain in the ass at the breakdown. Perhaps could do with an extra yard of pace - Lawes seemed to track him down pretty easily when Munster tried to the run the ball out from under their own posts near the start of the second half but all in all he has a very bright future at both club and international level.

Overall a great game of rugby and a great pick up after the let down of the final rounds of the world cup. I'm sorry S15 fans but games like that prove to me that the HC is the best club competition in Rugby.

Yes its been a fantastic weekend of HC rugby so far, I enjoyed that game more than any game in the the world cup, by some distance.

Munster definalty got the rub of the green on some key decisions for me but northanmpton should have been out of sight before the end and the drop goal, The russian winger knocking on with the line begging. Full credit to Munster for finding a way to win, retaining the ball for 40 phases and O'gara for doing what he does best.

I thought northampton were great to watch, both sideswere powerful in the forwards but the saints back line played some great stuff, Ryan Lamb in particular gave a wonderful display.

As some have mentioned Munster do look a side in transition in this competition. But there doesnt look like there's much to worry about as the younger players coming through look to play with the same passion and unity that the great munster teams of the past did. O'mahoney is definatly one to keep an eye on.


Based on this game I would make saints the narrow favourites for the group, they'll be gutted to have lost this one, that shows how far they have come.

Artemyev is a good prospect but he must be gutted about that easy chance. Would've won the game.

Well done Munster for snatching victory from the jaws of defeat!

To go through 40 phases in stoppage time and set up and execute the drop goal in incredible, absolutely mind blowing. It looked like they butchered it a few times but they showed amazing composure. Fair play to ROG he has serious b*lls!

From Munsters point of view I was really impressed with Ryan and POM and BJ has been a great signing. I really like this kid POM, he has a real bit of mongrel about him. I loved the way he squared up to Lawes, he has no fear and will go far. I don't think he's big enough for 6 or 8 though. Johne Murphy played very well too. Cracking try by Howlett.

The Saints are a serious force in Europe now and will fancy their chances against anyone. It looks as if their backplay has improved a lot this season. Ashton was superb, I've been a big critic of his but his work rate has amazing and his passing and kicking are improving.

Downey had a good game and I think Ireland have made a big mistake by continuing to ignore him.

It was vital for Munster to win this one but they will have to improve to get out of this group. Hopefully this win will inspire them to go on a run now.

I think the Saints coaches will take something from this as well. I would not have taken off both props with only 10 minutes to go. Rgardles of how knackered they are.

roddersm wrote: Well done Munster for snatching victory from the jaws of defeat!

To go through 40 phases in stoppage time and set up and execute the drop goal in incredible, absolutely mind blowing. It looked like they butchered it a few times but they showed amazing composure. Fair play to ROG he has serious b*lls!

From Munsters point of view I was really impressed with Ryan and POM and BJ has been a great signing. I really like this kid POM, he has a real bit of mongrel about him. I loved the way he squared up to Lawes, he has no fear and will go far. I don't think he's big enough for 6 or 8 though. Johne Murphy played very well too. Cracking try by Howlett.

The Saints are a serious force in Europe now and will fancy their chances against anyone. It looks as if their backplay has improved a lot this season. Ashton was superb, I've been a big critic of his but his work rate has amazing and his passing and kicking are improving.

Downey had a good game and I think Ireland have made a big mistake by continuing to ignore him.

It was vital for Munster to win this one but they will have to improve to get out of this group. Hopefully this win will inspire them to go on a run now.

I think O'Mahony will challenge for Heaslip's 8 shirt. He is definitely big enough, 6"3 and 105kg. Same size as both Harinordoquy and Read. A backrow of Ferris, O'Brien and POM would be scary indeed!

Great game.

Saints should still top this group but will be kicking themselves over a game they should have won.

This is shaping up for a good tournament.

While heaslip is still a force at breakdown and had a decent game yesterday for whatever reason he is not making enough yards with ball in hand. O mahony is great craic to watch. Fine player and a bit of a madman. Saints though gutted got a losing bonus point which may prove vital.

Heaslip used to be such a dynamic ball carrier, and a real threat with the ball in hand. Where has that gone? He was one of the best 8s in the world.

Looks like this group could go right down to the wire, eh?
Scarlets did not look too bad, and Castres will not be a pushover in the next rounds: Saints home to Scarlets, Castres home to Munster. We will know a lot more a week from today.

Good stuff for the winners, must be said.

Just watched the game. A couple of points.

1. Nige didn't have his best ever game, but he didn't have his worst either. He got some calls wrong, every ref does in every game, but the stuff posted on this thread about bias and cheating is complete and utter nonsense.

2. What a finish. Huge credit to Munster. Very few teams could have done that. Unbelievable. Well played.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Heaslip used to be such a dynamic ball carrier, and a real threat with the ball in hand. Where has that gone? He was one of the best 8s in the world.

Heaslip needs a break, he was rushed back from injury last year for the last two heineken matches of the group stages. POM looks very good and hopefully he will be making the Six Nations training squad.

I was impressed by murray again, one or two mistakes but very impressive and I couldn't understand why he was taken off.

Murray is getting a bit of what I like to call "Tomás" syndrome. He is beginning to take a step or two before he passes. O'Leary did well when he came on. His passing was crisp and precise.