Good afternoon one and all and welcome along to The42‘s live coverage of Munster’s Champions Cup semi-final showdown with Saracens from the Aviva Stadium.
Three years since their last semi-final appearance, the southern province are back on this exalted stage and face the defending champions in what has all the ingredients to be one of the great European occasions.
A sell-out crowd is expected in Dublin and the atmosphere is already building with a place in next month’s final in Edinburgh on the line.
Kick-off is at 3.15pm and we’ll have all the build-up between now and then right here, including a Facebook Live from the press box.
The stage is set and the teams are in the house.
While the atmosphere is building around Ballsbridge and inside the ground, there are still thousands of supporters en route to the Aviva Stadium after getting caught up in awful traffic congestion on the M7 motorway.
There’s no word of a delay to kick-off and both sets of players are now out on the pitch warming up so it looks like we’ll get underway at 3.15pm as planned.
There were suggestions that Munster would spring a late surprise by naming Conor Murray in their XV and although the scrum-half is out on the pitch with his boots on, he won’t be involved this afternoon.
There are NO changes to either of the teams named by Rassie Erasmus and Mark McCall yesterday.
And here are the teams for the first of this year’s Champions Cup semi-finals.
Munster:
15. Simon Zebo
14. Andrew Conway
13. Jaco Taute
12. Rory Scannell
11. Keith Earls
10. Tyler Bleyendaal
9. Duncan Williams
1. Dave Kilcoyne
2. Niall Scannell
3. John Ryan
4. Donnacha Ryan
5. Billy Holland
6. Peter O’Mahony (captain)
7. Tommy O’Donnell
8. CJ Stander
Replacements:
16. Rhys Marshall
17. James Cronin
18. Stephen Archer
19. Dave O’Callaghan
20. Jean Deysel
21. Ian Keatley
22. Francis Saili
23. Darren Sweetnam
Saracens:
15. Alex Goode
14. Chris Ashton
13. Marcelo Bosch
12. Brad Barritt (captain)
11. Sean Maitland
10. Owen Farrell
9. Richard Wigglesworth
1. Mako Vunipola
2. Jamie George
3. Vincent Koch
4. Maro Itoje
5. George Kruis
6. Michael Rhodes
7. Jackson Wray
8. Billy Vunipola
Replacements:
16. Schalk Brits
17. Titi Lamositele
18. Petrus Du Plessis
19. Jim Hamilton
20. Schalk Burger
21. Ben Spencer
22. Alex Lozowski
23. Chris Wyles
Join Murray Kinsella and Sean Farrell for live pre-match build-up from the Aviva Stadium. (If video fails to load, click here)
https://www.facebook.com/The42.ie/videos/1441872812541870/?permPage=1
Not long until kick-off now. To whet your appetite further, here are a couple of our pre-match offerings.
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‘The buzz is back and it’s amazing but the spark was unfortunately the passing of Anthony’
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Jones a key part of the picture in Munster and Schmidt calls on him too
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‘We’ve got a few plans up our sleeve’ – Munster hungry to upset Saracens
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Irishman McCall’s Saracens were once modelled on Munster and Leinster
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Analysis: Saracens’ rugby league traits are a major danger to Munster
Confirmed: There will be no delay to this afternoon’s kick-off time of 3.15pm.
It looks like half of Munster has invaded the capital this afternoon. Let’s hope those who have been delayed by the traffic problems make it here on time.
Ryan Bailey here to guide you through all the action as it happens while Murray Kinsella and Sean Farrell are in position at the Aviva Stadium as we bring you minute-by-minute coverage of this Champions Cup semi-final.
If you want to join the conversation, tweet us: @The42_ie, e-mail ryan@the42.ie or post your thoughts in the comments section below.
Which way do you see this one going?
Poll Results:
The sides have met seven times before in the European Cup with Munster just shading the head-to-head record.
- 17 January 2015 – Pool 1 – Saracens 33 Munster 10, Allianz Park
- 24 October 2014 – Pool 1 – Munster 14 Saracens 3, Thomond Park
- 16 December 2012 – Pool 1 – Saracens 19 Munster 13, Vicarage Road
- 8 December 2012 – Pool 1 – Munster 15 Saracens 9, Thomond Park
- 27 April 2008 – Semi-final – Saracens 16 Munster 18, Ricoh Arena
- 8 January 2000 – Pool 4 – Munster 31 Saracens 30, Thomond Park
- 28 November 1999 – Pool 4 – Saracens 34 Munster 35, Vicarage Road
It’s a sea of red inside the Aviva Stadium, and we’re just about all set. How are the nerves?
Wow! What a noise as the teams emerge from the sanctuary of the dressing rooms. The decibel levels are through the roof but now all the talking is over. 80 minutes stand between Munster and the Champions Cup final.
Kick off! Munster won the toss and Bleyendaal kicks deep. We’re underway at the Aviva Stadium!
First scrum of the afternoon and while Saracens get the initial shove, Munster power through and Duncan Williams puts the pressure on. Tommy O’Donnell and CJ Stander and quickly in to support and manage to force the turnover.
Our referee today, by the way, is Romain Poite.
Aggressive start from Munster and the first rendition of ‘The Fields of Athenry’ reverberates around the Aviva Stadium.
After a couple of resets, Williams feeds and Stander has the ball at his feet as Munster get the shove on. With a penalty advantage, the scrum-half feeds O’Mahony but Saracens stand firm and eventually Poite brings it back for that penalty.
Penalty! Munster 3-0 Saracens (Bleyendaal)
And Tyler Bleyendaal makes no mistake from the tee as he dissects the posts to give Munster an early lead.
From the restart, Bleyendaal’s aerial ability is tested but Chris Ashton tackles the Munster out-half in the air and Poite correctly awards the penalty. Play is brought up to halfway.
Smart play from Farrell as he sees the space in behind Keith Earls and kicks deep. Zebo’s clearing kick means Saracens have an attacking line out on the Munster 10 metre line.
Let off for Munster! From the lineout, Saracens spread it wide and we see their attack in full flow but with the line at his mercy, Wigglesworth is unable to hold onto the pass and the chance is gone.
Brilliant from Zebo as he claims Farrell’s up-and-under in midfield.
Solid scrum from Saracens and the visitors get a bit of a push on and eventually win the penalty as Munster collapse the set-piece. Farrell kicks into Munster territory.
Andrew Conway is penalised for not rolling away and the penalty advantage comes to nothing for Saracens. Farrell will have the chance to draw his side level.
Penalty! Munster 3-3 Saracens (Farrell)
The flags are raised and we’re level at 3-3 after 16 minutes.
Uncharacteristic handling error from Billy Vunipola gives Munster an attacking lineout on that far side. Scannell finds his man but Williams’ flat pass is spilled by Taute as he was about to be hit by a couple of black shirts.
But Farrell dummies and as he looks to get his clearance kick away, is tackled by Taute and drops the ball, gifting possession back to Munster. The southern province knock on the door and go through the phases but Saracens stand firm.
Wigglesworth box kicks but Conway is taken out in the air by Sean Maitland and Poite is going to the TMO to have a look at that incident.
After reviewing the replays, the referee has a word with Sarries captain Brad Barritt but nothing more.
Yellow card! Williams breaks off the lineout and although he falls into the tackle, is clattered high by Jackson Wray. The referee sees it and after Munster’s latest foray into opposition territory comes to nothing, he comes back and sends Wray to the bin.
Even with a man down, Saracens remain so resilient in defence and continue to shut the door on everything Munster throw at them. The Vunipola brothers combine in the tackle and Niall Scannell is pinged for holding on.
Oh that’s superb from Simon Zebo! The fullback launches one into orbit and makes up great ground to rise before Goode and claim the ball mid-air. The ball is freed to Bleyendaal, who fires a kick in behind and the ball trickles into touch on the far side.
Just three minutes of Jackson Wray’s sin bin remaining and although Munster haven’t been able to take advantage on the scoreboard, they continue to keep Saracens penned inside their own half.
Munster dominating possession and territory but it’s slightly concerning they haven’t been able to make it count as Wray prepares to come back on.
That’s brilliant work from Owen Farrell. He chases his own kick and then superbly tap tackles his opposite number as Bleyendaal looked to get his kick away. Saracens scrum just outside the Munster 22.
And they draw the penalty from the set-piece! Dave Kilcoyne the man penalised on that occasion.
Penalty! Munster 3-6 Saracens (Farrell)
Farrell adds the three points to give Saracens an unlikely lead with five minutes to go until the break.
Munster again kick to Billy Vunipola from the restart but this time they’re cut apart as the number eight makes 80 metres for his team with a powerful break and then a clever kick into space.
Saracens are up in numbers but after forcing the turnover, Farrell’s grubber through is blocked and the move breaks down. Breathless stuff.
Munster are going through the phases, working the ball from side-to-side but that wall of black shirts stands firm.
Half-time! Munster 3-6 Saracens
Live half-time analysis from the Aviva Stadium with Sean Farrell and Murray Kinsella.
(If the video fails to load, click here)
https://www.facebook.com/The42.ie/videos/1441946035867881/
An absorbing, tight and physical half of rugby at the Aviva Stadium. Everything you’d expect from a Champions Cup semi-final, but Munster are trailing at the break despite enjoying 64% of possession in that first period.
The players are back out for the second half and there’s no changes to either side.
And we’re off again! The heavens have just started to open in Dublin as we resume.
Bright start to the second half for Saracens but Maitland spills the ball under pressure and it’ll be a Munster scrum five metres in from this near touchline.
Huge from Peter O’Mahony! Williams kicks it out on the full and gifts Saracens prime attacking position but the Munster captain rises highest to steal the lineout.
Jamie George makes no mistake this time as he finds his man and Saracens rumble on in field. The ball is then spread right but a handling error allows Zebo to come in and knock the ball out of Goode’s grasp, only to be called back by the referee.
Munster then win the scrum penalty to relieve the pressure.
Bleyendaal launches a cross-field kick towards Conway and Maitland and while the ball is spilled, Taute is first onto it and Munster retain possession.
In the next phase of play, Williams attempts a little kick in behind but puts it straight into Goode’s grateful arms and he’s able to clear his line. A few groans from the stands as Munster’s kicking tactic continues to yield very little dividend.
Jean Deysel is on for his Champions Cup debut as he replaces Tommy O’Donnell. Saracens have also made a change with Jamie George making way for Schalk Brits.
Dangerous, very dangerous. Saracens threaten again as they unleash a wonderful powerplay move on Munster but once again the Premiership leaders butcher the chance as Chris Ashton fails to gather.
And again! Munster are scrambling here and George Kruis picks and goes and just has to get the ball down but Deysel hauls him down just short and the second row drops the ball as he attempts to get over the line.
That is a HUGE let off for Munster.
Peter O’Mahony looks very unsteady on his feet after a big collision with Billy Vunipola and the Munster captain is going off for a HIA.
James Cronin, meanwhile, is on for Dave Kilcoyne.
Saracens are really applying the pressure now and Munster are penned inside their own 22. Bleyendaal’s clearing kick is poor and Saracens have another attacking lineout.
TRY! Munster 3-13 Saracens (Mako Vunipola)
And the pressure pays off. The driving maul creates the chance and Mako Vunipola powerfully finishes. Farrell adds the extras.
Rassie Erasmus makes a change immediately as Taute is withdrawn and Francis Saili is introduced. The Munster fans trying to lift their team here. 25 minutes remaining.
Munster look for an instant reply and win the penalty. Bleyendaal kicks for the corner.
Burger is caught offside and Bleyendaal will have a shot at goal here.
Oh dear! Bleyendaal pushes his kick and it sails right of the posts, just about summing up the Kiwi’s performance this afternoon.
Rhys Marshall comes in for the final 20 minutes as Scannell makes way. Saracens force another turnover and despite Billy Holland stealing at the lineout, the visitors somehow keep hold of possession.
The commentators on BT Sport have said Peter O’Mahony is off the pitch with a blood injury, but he has yet to reappear from the changing rooms. Holland captaining Munster in his absence.
Ominous. Saracens are turning the screw and are about to stretch their advantage after winning another penalty at scrum time. Farrell should have no problem slotting this one over.
Penalty! Munster 3-16 Saracens (Farrell)
The life has just been squeezed out of the Aviva.
Peter O’Mahony’s afternoon is over after he failed that Head Injury Assessment. Meanwhile, Archer is on for Ryan and Sweetnam on for Earls.
Big moment. Saracens penalised for crossing and Munster kick for the corner. Rhys Marshall just about finds his man and Munster rumble on towards the line. Two tries needed.
The crowd come alive again but Munster aren’t going anywhere. The Saracens rearguard is watertight and eventually Bleyendaal attempts a drop goal, which isn’t struck particularly well and never looked like going over.
TRY! Munster 3-23 Saracens (Wyles)
Heartbreak for Munster. Saracens shut the door in defence and then break away to clinch the game and a place in the final as Zebo fumbles a kick in behind and Chris Wyles is there to get it down.
Tyler Bleyendaal has been replaced by Ian Keatley with nine minutes remaining. Munster need a miracle now.
Munster are all but beaten and every last bit of life has just been sucked out of the Aviva Stadium and every sitting room, club, bar and pub in the country. Rassie Erasmus’ men had to be at their very best today and it just hasn’t happened. A real shame.
Saracens have been ruthlessly clinical today.
Penalty! Munster 3-26 Saracens (Farrell)
Salt into the wounds now, as Farrell knocks over another penalty.
On BT Sport, Brian O’Driscoll names Vincent Koch as the man of the match.
TRY! Munster 10-26 Saracens (CJ Stander)
A late consolation for Munster as Stander powers over.
The clock has turned red and Munster’s race is run. The Fields of Athenry rings out around the Aviva Stadium one last time.
Full-time! Munster 10-26 Saracens
Munster were defiant to the last but it just wasn’t their day as Saracens, the defending champions, stood firm, weathered the storm in the first half and then displayed their clinical edge to book a place in next month’s Champions Cup final.
A hugely disappointing outcome as Munster’s thrilling campaign comes to an end at the Aviva Stadium but what an effort it has been from Rassie Erasmus’ side. The crowd were absolutely superb today, too, and it’s now over to Leinster tomorrow.
We’ll have a full report and reaction to come on The42 shortly, but until next time thanks for staying with us throughout the afternoon and goodbye!
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‘The buzz is back and it’s amazing but the spark was unfortunately the passing of Anthony’
‘We’ve got a few plans up our sleeve’ – Munster hungry to upset Saracens
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