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Munster utterly outclassed as sensational Scarlets earn Pro12 title in Dublin

Rassie Erasmus’ men were poor as they gave up six tries to the Welsh side at the Aviva Stadium.

Munster 22

Scarlets 46

Murray Kinsella reports from the Aviva Stadium

THE SCARLETS ARE a devastating force when they burst into their flurries of attacking brilliance and Munster simply could not live with the latest demonstration from the Welsh side, whose four tries in 22 first-half minutes helped fire them to Pro12 glory.

Steff Evans scores a try Steff Evans crosses for Scarlets. Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Munster had been well warned of what the Scarlets are capable of, with Wayne Pivac’s men having torn Leinster, Ospreys and Connacht apart in recent weeks, but the southern province were incapable of stemming the tide in a ruinous first half.

The real shame for Munster is that they delivered one of their worst performances of the season on the big occasion, and Rassie Erasmus will know now more than ever that he has major work to do ahead of next season.

It had been a positive campaign overall, with a Champions Cup semi-final and this appearance in the Guinness Pro12 decider, but Munster’s failure to really fire a shot in both of those games points to the shortcomings of this squad.

Their attacking game is vastly underdeveloped in contrast to the Scarlets, whose confident, positive and enthusiastic intent was rewarded with their first league title since 2004.

Pivac has masterfully led their title run with his relaxed and inclusive brand of coaching, while attack coach Stephen Jones – the former Wales out-half – has perfectly harnessed the brilliant individual players in this Scarlets squad into a barnstorming collective.

Their desire for width consistently exposed a Munster defence that had previously been superb under Jacques Nienaber’s watch. But the South African defence coach will have sleepless nights reflecting on how stunned Munster seemed by the Scarlets attack, as well as their shocking one-on-one tackling.

Francis Saili tackled by Scott Williams Munster were badly off form in the final. Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Lions wing Liam Williams, the prolific Steff Evans, intelligent scrum-half Gareth Davies and outstanding Irish lock Tadhg Beirne all dotted down in the Scarlets’ whirlwind period of attacking excellence, while they were the better defensive team and out-thought Munster’s pack.

Replacement wing DTH van der Merwe beat three tired tackles late on for the Scarlets’ fifth try, following superb handling from impressive midfield pair Scott Williams and Jonathan Davies, who looks primed for a good run at the Lions’ 13 shirt.

And openside James Davies rounded off their scoring with a sixth try in the final minute to ensure a well-earned 24-point winning margin, a record margin in a Pro12 final.

While Scarlets made them look bad, Munster tackled poorly, kicked inaccurately and offered little in the way of threat with their possession. Tyler Bleyendaal scored a try in the first half, while Andrew Conway and Keith Earls also added late consolation scores, but they were rare positive moments on a dark day for Munster.

Their first half was disastrous, as the Scarlets ripped their shambolic defence apart inside the opening 32 minutes, scoring four tries.

Liam Williams scores the first try of the game despite the attention of Keith Earls Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Liam Williams was over first, getting on the end of a clever Rhys Patchell diagonal kick to the right corner, beating Earls to the bounce and sending Scarlets 5-3 ahead after Bleyendaal’s early penalty.

The second was even better, as Beirne’s superb hands released Jonathan Davies on the left after Francis Saili shot up needlessly, the Lions centre breaking form deep in the Welsh side’s half and exchanging passes with Evans before offloading back to the pacy left wing to score a try Patchell converted.

There was almost a replica only moments later as Scarlets burst from deep again, but James Davies’ potential scoring pass to Gareth Davies was forward.

There was a hint of forward about the scrum-half’s confirmed try in the 28th minute, but the TMO review came back positively for Scarlets and Scott Williams’ big linebreak and inside pass to Davies was rewarded.

Munster’s basic tackling was failing them by now, and Beirne hammered his way over form close-range for the fourth, beating John Ryan, Dave Kilcoyne, CJ Stander and Niall Scannell as he spun to dot down, allowing Patchell to kick Scarlets into a barely believable 29-3 lead.

Erasmus’ men did manage to close the gap just before the break, Conor Murray sending Bleyendaal darting over to the left of the posts for a try he converted, leaving Munster trailing 29-10 at the interval.

Tadhg Beirne scores a try Irish lock Beirne scores Scarlets' fourth try. Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

In desperate need of a strong start to the second 40, Munster instead continued where they had let off, failing to stretch the Scarlets’ defence with an early passage of sustained possession.

Bouncing back in familiar style, Pivac’s side earned a turnover penalty near the Munster 22 and Patchell sent them 22 points clear off the tee.

The Scarlets pack was intelligent through, standing off the Munster maul at one stage to win a turnover scrum, while the likes of Beirne and captain John Barclay continued to have a big influence on the breakdown.

Munster found themselves within striking range with just over a quarter remaining, following a fine Murray kick, but then a needless penalty from captain O’Mahony, hammering into James Davies with a shoulder but no arms, lifted the pressure for Scarlets.

That was the end of the Munster challenge as they visibly deflated in the closing stages.

Van der Merwe danced his way over down the left-hand side for their fifth, before Conway finished well and Earls scored an intercept try, but it was far too little far too late and the brilliant James Davies added a sixth for the Scarlets in the final minute as he beat two poor tackles to charge over.

Munster scorers:

Tries: Tyler Bleyendaal, Andrew Conway, Keith Earls

Conversions: Tyler Bleyendaal [1 from 2], Ian Keatley [1 from 1]

Penalties: Tyler Bleyendaal [1 from 1]

Scarlets scorers:

Tries: Liam Williams, Steff Evans, Gareth Davies, Tadhg Beirne, DTH van der Merwe, James Davies

Conversions: Rhys Patchell [3 from 4], Liam Williams [2 from 2]

Penalties: Rhys Patchell [2 from 2]

MUNSTER: Simon Zebo (Ian Keatley ’61); Andrew Conway, Francis Saili, Rory Scannell (HIA – Jaco Taute ’5 to ’12, permanent ’28), Keith Earls; Tyler Bleyendaal, Conor Murray (Duncan Williams ’72); Dave Kilcoyne (Brian Scott ’68), Niall Scannell (Rhys Marshall ’55), John Ryan (Stephen Archer ’46); Donnacha Ryan, Billy Holland (Jack O’Donoghue ’53); Peter O’Mahony (captain), Tommy O’Donnell (Jean Deysel ’45), CJ Stander.

SCARLETS: Johnny McNicholl; Liam Williams, Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, Steff Evans (DTH Van Der Merwe ’58); Rhys Patchell (Hadleigh Parkes ’55), Gareth Davies (Jonathan Evans ’52); Rob Evans (Wyn Jones ’52), Ryan Elias (Emyr Phillips ’72), Samson Lee (Werner Kruger ’28); Lewis Rawlins (David Bulbring ’62), Tadhg Beirne; Aaron Shingler, James Davies, John Barclay (captain) (Will Boyde ’62).

Referee: Nigel Owens [WRU].

Attendance: 44,558.

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114 Comments
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    Mute Billy Malone
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    May 27th 2017, 8:13 PM

    Rassie has gotten loads of praise this year, so I think he has to take his fair share of criticism for sending out a totally unprepared and tactically inept team in Munster’s two biggest games of the season.

    I’m noticing a worrying pattern of Irish teams failing to show up for big games, it happened against Scotland in the 6N and has happened to Munster and Leinster at the tail end of the season, and Connacht and Ulster all season long.

    For a long time I’ve noticed a big flaw with Irish teams that is rarely reported; our support running. How often do you see a player for an Irish player only for the attack to break down because no-one’s running a good support line. If you watch Super rugby, most of the time when a break is made the ball carrier will have a 7, 9, and a winger in support. The Scarlets and Glasgow, when they’re on form, do this very well a bit closer to home.

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    Mute Luke O'Mahony
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    May 27th 2017, 8:18 PM

    @Billy Malone: said it after the sarries game we have improved but have been very very poor when it mattered , good season reaching a semi and a final but gutted we just didn’t bother showing up for both

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    Mute Conor Cahill
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    May 27th 2017, 8:18 PM

    @Billy Malone: I noticed that at least a few times during the game.

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    Mute Michael Fielding
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    May 27th 2017, 8:31 PM

    Great point, a prime example of it was when we had Casey Laullala in the centre. The man would suck in defenders and get his arms free, looking around for someone to run through the gap he made and to no avail. It made him look like a bang smack average player but if only the players ran the right lines he would have been an excellent player for us.

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    Mute EK
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    May 27th 2017, 8:32 PM

    @Billy Malone: if Munster are honest with themselves, they have a lot to improve on for next season, support lines in particular as you have pointed out.

    However, Munster are only in the first year of Rassie’s tenure. Teams like Glasgow, Scarlets, Saracens, Connacht last year, all have something in common-they have coaches who have been coaching at the same club for 3+ years. It takes time to mould players and systems. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

    Enjoy Munster’s season for what it is, an excellent first season that will put them ahead of the curve come next season.

    42
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    Mute Keith Edwards
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    May 27th 2017, 8:33 PM

    @Billy Malone: get over the doom and gloom. So much better than last year. Be thankful of that. As been said before, we have no god given right to trophies. Will be supporting them next year all the same!!! Go Munster!!!

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    Mute Ryan Ó Giobúin
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    May 27th 2017, 8:35 PM

    @Conor Cahill: IMO having a South African DOR brings Munster back to it’s more traditional pick and drive, solid pack and clever tactical/box-kicking way of play, but when that’s found out, as with Saracens and Scarlets, there seems little idea what else to do. Dare I say, Munster seem to play more Warrenball-esque that the Welsh sides. Quinnell said they look like they are not used to offloads, and while Connacht, Ulster and Leinster have been offloading (to varying degrees of success) more, Munster seem to stick to Plan A. Against bigger, or more breakdown-efficient teams, pick and drives and mauling seem to give limited returns.

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    Mute Brian Gallagher
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    May 27th 2017, 8:51 PM

    @Billy Malone: BOD always says when questioned that the two best support runners were Howlett and Ashton

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    Mute Ewan Scott
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    May 27th 2017, 8:14 PM

    Gutted. Absolutely Gutted. Fare fcuks to Scarlets they gave a lesson to what we thought were the 2 best teams in the competition the past 2 weeks. They deserve every bit of it.

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    Mute An_Beal_Bocht
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    May 27th 2017, 8:28 PM

    @Ewan Scott: ya I don’t think Scarlets are getting the credit they deserve, it’s also great for the pro 12 league

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    Mute kevin
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    May 27th 2017, 8:40 PM

    @Ewan Scott: you didn’t really have your guts taken out did you? Worst hyperbole ever.

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    Mute Ricky Spanish
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    May 27th 2017, 8:14 PM

    Such a shame the Munster fans didn’t stay to congratulate the Scarlets. The Aviva was empty when they got the trophy. Pity

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    Mute Eddiemac
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    May 27th 2017, 8:17 PM

    @Ricky Spanish: They still haven’t got the trophy, are you from the future Ricky??

    49
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    Mute kevin
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    May 27th 2017, 8:18 PM

    @Ricky Spanish: people still have to be told what to do on occasion. Most are muppets.

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    Mute Ricky Spanish
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    May 27th 2017, 8:21 PM

    @Eddiemac: Eh I’m watching it now and the place is empty. Are the minster fans going to come back to congratulate the champions? I doubt it poor form.

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    Mute Greg Cavey
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    May 27th 2017, 8:31 PM

    @Ricky Spanish: why would the fans stay and watch the team that slaughtered them celebrate with the trophy? Whats ur point?

    51
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    Mute Thomondpark Mahon
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    May 27th 2017, 8:31 PM

    @Ricky Spanish: seriously?? It’s a late lick off and people have very long drives home. If you live in Kerry.. its a 4 hour drive minimum .

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    Mute Ricky Spanish
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    May 27th 2017, 8:32 PM

    @Greg Cavey: it shows respect. That’s quite important in rugby.

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    Mute Keith Edwards
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    May 27th 2017, 8:37 PM

    @Ricky Spanish: seriously, you expect Munster’s fans to hang around to celebrate Scarlets. And please don’t tell me that’s what rugby fans do coz then you have no idea what you’re talking about

    45
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    Mute Ricky Spanish
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    May 27th 2017, 8:38 PM

    @Thomondpark Mahon: Yes I’m sure it’s the “long drive” home that’s the reason the place is empty (even though a lot of the munster fans live in Dublin)

    46
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    Mute Thomondpark Mahon
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    May 27th 2017, 8:39 PM

    @Ricky Spanish: respect me arse .. where are you from ?? I have a very long drive home and i am still at the Aviva.. spare me your bullshit…

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    Mute Ryan Ó Giobúin
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    May 27th 2017, 8:40 PM

    @Thomondpark Mahon: So I suppose they would have left early if Munster had won, or does winning make it a three hour journey? It was disrespectful, no other way of looking at it.

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    Mute Ricky Spanish
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    May 27th 2017, 8:42 PM

    @Thomondpark Mahon: why does it matter where I’m from? Respect is respect.

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    Mute Eddiemac
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    May 27th 2017, 8:44 PM

    @Ricky Spanish: You are a wildly intelligent man with extremely valid points!

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    Mute Thomondpark Mahon
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    May 27th 2017, 8:55 PM

    @Ricky Spanish: Wow.. let me guess you are sitting comfortably at home
    . Best team won.. well done but you are trying to be disingenuous if you think Munster fans will hang around.. what about the Ireland fans that left early when they beat England and the Aviva was virtually empty when England were handed the 6 nations trophy ??

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    Mute Ricky Spanish
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    May 27th 2017, 9:01 PM

    @Thomondpark Mahon: I thought Munster fans pride themselves on their sportsmanship etc.but I guess you’re right I’m wrong to think they would stay around to congratulate the champions. Aw well. I won’t expect it next time….

    39
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    Mute Hakaman
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    May 27th 2017, 9:10 PM

    @Ricky Spanish: Ricky’s a Leinster supporter. I’m sure he’ll be (or was) equally critical of the throngs of Leinster supporters who also left RDS very early after their defeat to the same team?

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    Mute Thomondpark Mahon
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    May 27th 2017, 9:15 PM

    @Ricky Spanish: ps .. best team won and your poor childish attempt at trying to score points is pathetic.. ..

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    Mute Ricky Spanish
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    May 27th 2017, 9:31 PM

    @Hakaman: As you’ve brought Leinster into this I might say that I do recall many many Leinster fans staying in the stadium last year while Connacht we’re crowned champions….funny that.

    29
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    Mute GunsGerms
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    May 27th 2017, 10:44 PM

    @Ricky Spanish: Lots of Munster fans started to leave from half time onwards.

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    Mute Andrew Matheson
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    May 27th 2017, 11:07 PM

    @Ricky Spanish: the aviva was empty from the start….

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    Mute Dave Kilmartin
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    May 27th 2017, 11:52 PM

    @Ricky Spanish: I saw some munster fans leave the stadium at 30 mins and many many more at half time. I went as a Leinster fan to support Munster today. I recall much criticism on these threads of Leinster fans leaving matches early. Glasshouses and throwing stones come to mind ….

    23
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    Mute Range Rover
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    May 28th 2017, 12:16 AM

    @Ricky Spanish: I was there. Never left a stadium in my life.

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    Mute Alan Madden
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    May 28th 2017, 12:43 AM

    @Ricky Spanish: em, that match was in Edinburgh… Not like there was traffic to beat getting out of Dublin, down the n7 onto the m7 …. Leinster emptied the stadium last weekend and they live around the corner from the RDS…..

    5
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    Mute Paddy Raggett
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    May 28th 2017, 3:36 AM

    @Paul K Murphy: it’s a fair point. There was a fair amount of abuse thrown out on here at people supposedly leaving certain games before the final whistle.

    I sat and roared my heart out for Munster today but I was sitting beside hardcore Munster fans who got up and left with 10 minutes to go.

    I know the pain of seeing a team you’ve put you’re heart behind under-perform but as far as I’m concerned you never, ever leave before the final whistle. And that goes for any team. I was disgusted at people leaving the Leinster match last weekend, I was equally as disappointed today.

    11
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    Mute Rachel Didleu
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    May 28th 2017, 8:29 AM

    @Greg Cavey: sportmanship

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    Mute Barry O'Brien
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    May 28th 2017, 8:49 AM

    @Range Rover: how do you get home?

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    Mute Sam Harms
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    May 28th 2017, 8:58 AM

    @Thomondpark Mahon: it was you last week completely slating Leinster fans for leaving 5 mins early and for booing during the match and shouting during the kicks, and saying Munster fans are real proper rugby fans.

    Munster fans started leaving in their droves 60 mins into the match yesterday. So much for giving Donnacha a send off. A fan was ejected last week for shouting abuse at Dan Biggar and yesterday the police got involved yesterday because a Munster fans threw a full bottle of beer at someone.

    You may call Leinster lady boys and the fans the prawn sandwich brigade but none of that happens at Leinster matches.

    10
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    Mute Sam Harms
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    May 28th 2017, 9:07 AM

    @Alan Madden: Leinster isn’t just Dublin oleantt of fans come from further a field and not everyone who lives in Dublin lives near the RDS.

    Plus people started leaving 5-10 mins before the end not shortly after half time like Munster fans!

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    Mute Gerry Ryan deG
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    May 28th 2017, 9:28 AM

    @Dave Kilmartin: Your team doesn’t show up, the well paid professionals are making schoolboy errors, their game plan is a one trick pony, you’ve spent hard earned money and gave your time to go, You’re completely p++++d off and you say to yourself F++K this and you leave. To any detractor who gives you grief you have an answer and it isn’t complimentary.
    Long live the Sportsman who cares about performance. The others are mere following groupies.

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    Mute Coco86
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    May 28th 2017, 11:19 AM

    @Sam Harms: Where did the fan throw the bottle of beer? And please link the article regarding the Dan Biggar incident, unless of course you were at the game? Or if somebody told you? That’s if anything actually happened at all?? FYI – you’re talking through you’re hole if you think Leinster fan’s don’t act inappropriately at games….. any fan’s for that matter. But every fan will say they have witnessed opposing fans being disrespectful….. it happens get over it…..This is the problem with all this province bashing it gets so personal and for no reason.

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    Mute Sam Harms
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    May 28th 2017, 5:37 PM

    @Coco86: the bottle throwing happened right beside me. It hit one man and the beer splashed all over the couple infront of him of him then police came and escorted then out and talked to them.

    And https://www.google.ie/amp/s/www.balls.ie/amp/rugby/munster-fan-kicked-out-365474

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    Mute Tim Riggins
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    May 27th 2017, 8:14 PM

    What a year Tadhg Beirne has had!

    148
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    Mute Dave Murray
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    May 27th 2017, 8:30 PM

    @Tim Riggins: He’s been superb for Scarlets alright.

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    Mute Coco86
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    May 28th 2017, 11:21 AM

    @Tim Riggins: He needs to come home!

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    Mute Ryan Ó Giobúin
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    May 27th 2017, 8:21 PM

    The worst thing is Scarlets could have scored many more tries if they held on, or in the second half even looked like they wanted to. None of the Munster Lions stood out today, and some called into the Ireland squad, like Killer and John Ryan, were poor after a solid season. Really disappointing to see the stadium half empty by the end of the match, and not stay for the trophy presentation. The year was a tough one for Munster, they played well for most of the year, several senior players are departing…and you just walk out? Yes, they were trounced, but much as I dislike Scarlets you have to acknowledge they were well deserving of the trophy…being presented with the trophy in an empty stadium makes Irish supporters look petty.

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    Mute kevin
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    May 27th 2017, 8:41 PM

    @Ryan Ó Giobúin: they are petty though

    27
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    Mute Anita R
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    May 27th 2017, 11:30 PM

    @Martin Quinn: I think it’s The British and Irish Loins …

    9
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    Mute Karlavaro
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    May 27th 2017, 8:40 PM

    Two bottle jobs over a week or so from Leinster and Munster.

    We act surprised – despite the national team bottling it since (and including) World Cup 2015 yet they still walk around as if they’re big stars with the media pandering to them like teenage girls at a One Direction gig. Gas

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    Mute Peter Cavey
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    May 28th 2017, 2:30 AM

    @Karlavaro: we did best the big 3 in one season. NZ. Australia and South Africa. We are also a top tier nation in the next RWC so.. do you need a ladder for that horse??

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    Mute Karlavaro
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    May 28th 2017, 2:58 AM

    @Peter Cavey: achievements? Zero.

    Mayo GAA get slagged ever year for getting closer than the rugby bottlers -
    and let’s be honest the Pro12 is the Europa League.

    Mediocrity is an achievement in rugby in Ireland – bandwagoneer central

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    Mute Ciaran Twomey
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    May 28th 2017, 12:32 PM

    @Karlavaro: But Irish teams have won the pro 12, 6N, Heineken Cup on numerous occasions in recent years. How does that make them bottle jobs? You can’t expect them to win every competition every year ?

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    Mute Scott Crossfield
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    May 27th 2017, 8:16 PM

    munster didn’t have any energy and anything positive was shut down by a classy Scarlets. Worthy champions that won well against Leinster and ripped munster apart, always great to see attacking rugby win trophies over defensive rugby (not munster but any team) everyone needs to try knock them off next season

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    Mute Johnny B
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    May 27th 2017, 8:37 PM

    Unbelieveable performance.

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    Mute Jonny Cantwell
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    May 27th 2017, 8:45 PM

    Here come all the bashing and typical negative comments….I for one, am so immensely proud of that team!!! To come from an abject embarressing season last year and tragically losing their head coach to getting to a seminar final in Europe and runners up in the league is something to admire! Well done boys and on to next year!! SUAF

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    Mute Gary
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    May 27th 2017, 8:56 PM

    @Jonny Cantwell: Well said Jonny.

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    Mute Jonny Cantwell
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    May 27th 2017, 8:57 PM

    @Paul K Murphy: Cheers Paul, Not to take away from the fact that I’m unbelievably dejected aswell though haha

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    Mute Thomondpark Mahon
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    May 27th 2017, 9:16 PM

    @Jonny Cantwell: don’t worry about it. It’s the prawn brigade fans sitting on their keyboards .. I was glad to attend the final. F##k it we lost .. move on

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    Mute AJ McLaughlin
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    May 27th 2017, 10:28 PM

    @Paul K Murphy: As a Leinster fan, agree on the provincial bias nonsense. But today proved, Scarlets are a class apart. Munster today were poor. One dimensional, leaderless and lethargic. At the game and so wanted them to win. But the better team, by far, won. Simple rugby, executed perfectly.

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    Mute Karlavaro
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    May 28th 2017, 3:00 AM

    @Thomondpark Mahon: looks like the Munster who consistently let Anthony Foley down, have returned.
    Honesty hurts

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    Mute Mark De Brún
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    May 27th 2017, 8:17 PM

    I said Scarlets by three and got lambasted. Munster not good enough. One out runners won’t win you titles.

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    Mute John
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    May 27th 2017, 8:36 PM

    Did anyone else hear the touch judge tell owens number 16 offside for last try and he did nothing. Not that it made a difference but poor from a world class referee.

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    Mute ger gavin
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    May 28th 2017, 1:01 AM

    @John: he didnt bother reffing the scrum either , look at the Beirne try before half time , kilcoyne destroyed their prop who stood up , no call , the 3rd try was a foreard pass , he is a celebrity not a ref

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    Mute Sam Harms
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    May 28th 2017, 9:00 AM

    @ger gavin: what about that intentional knock on by Sailing or is it only the decisions that didn’t go Munsters way that were wrong?

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    Mute Sam Harms
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    May 28th 2017, 10:09 AM

    @Sam Harms: *Saili (bloody autocorrect)

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    Mute Jim Mullally
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    May 27th 2017, 8:18 PM

    Very poor from Munster same old story kick the ball away aimlessly. No support for players who break the line no offloading of note.

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    Mute ger gavin
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    May 27th 2017, 8:15 PM

    3 big beatings at the Aviva , scarlets stopped stander , managed to neutralize the maul , owens didnt ref the scrum , game over

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    Mute Eddiemac
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    May 27th 2017, 8:20 PM

    @ger gavin: Stander hasn’t been near 100% since his injury, not looking forward to him going to NZ!!

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    Mute Fergal Brislane
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    May 28th 2017, 10:59 AM

    @Paul K Murphy: Sadly I have to agree. Would love to see a) The Lions compete and b) As many Irish involved as possible. But tbh Stander looks spent in recent weeks which isn’t surprising as he’s been MOTM material for nearly 2 yrs up to now. I genuinely worry he’ll be smashed up out there and gone for Ireland and Munster early next season.

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    Mute Mark De Brún
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    May 27th 2017, 8:18 PM

    Leinster need to get out the cheque book and get Tadhg Beirne back in blue.

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    Mute Tadgh Fanning
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    May 27th 2017, 8:43 PM

    As bad as Munster played today I think a lot of people are forgetting how much Munster have progressed this season. This time last year we had to win a game just to get into the top 6. This season ended with a Champions Cup Semi Final and a Pro 12 Final. Yes they were terrible today and against Saracens, but they were brilliant all season. The likes of Sweetnam, Conway, Ryan, Scannell brothers have been brilliant. A few good signings coming next season as well. They’ll learn a huge amount from this season and hopefully develop their gameplan. Rassie is a smart guy he knows Munster will need to expand their gameplan and I’m sure we’ll be better next season. Give them a break they’ve been physically and mentally exhausted all season. To play under those circumstances is special.

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    Mute Tom Reilly
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    May 27th 2017, 8:19 PM

    Stand up and fight my arse, more like I fall down,roll over and get my belly tickled.

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    Mute Andrew Goodman
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    May 27th 2017, 8:21 PM

    @Tom Reilly: harsh

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    Mute Obi
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    May 27th 2017, 8:30 PM

    @Tom Reilly: Save that for Grinder, you’ll get more replies!

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    Mute Tom Reilly
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    May 27th 2017, 8:38 PM

    @Obi: I have never been on that site, what is it about?

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    Mute Alan Madden
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    May 28th 2017, 12:45 AM

    @Tom Reilly: not what I’ve heard….

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    Mute sean o'dhubhghaill
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    May 28th 2017, 2:45 AM

    @Tom Reilly: and that applies to the supporters too, they/we were shite. No noise and no passion.

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    Mute blindside
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    May 27th 2017, 8:22 PM

    Munster had a good season but their limited attack has really been found out against the good sides. Still a good season though.

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    Mute Conor
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    May 27th 2017, 8:21 PM

    Shocking display we looked flat and tired, destroyed at the breakdown and the defense out wide was awful looks like we peaked in january unfortunately , the attack needs a lot more, a lot of talent out wide but they need better ball and the defense looked knackered today, but fair play to the scarlets they were magnificent, Much improved season this year hopefully we can build on it and go one better next year

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    Mute Tom Reilly
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    May 27th 2017, 8:53 PM

    @Conor: Professional well paid players cannot be excused for today’s debacle by saying we peaked in January. The sad fact is Munster were lacking in physical and moral courage today.They didn’t even lose their temper in frustration.

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    Mute Alan Madden
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    May 28th 2017, 12:46 AM

    @Tom Reilly: goul bag

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    Mute clubber lang
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    May 27th 2017, 8:52 PM

    New Zealand rugby beats Southy African rugby. Hardly surprising.

    Munster need to pick Conor Oliver at openside

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    Mute Eddiemac
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    May 27th 2017, 9:02 PM

    @clubber lang: When looking at James Davies last week and today all I could think was that’s what Oliver can bring for Munster!

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    Mute Just Some Guy
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    May 27th 2017, 8:48 PM

    Poor season for all the Irish provinces

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    Mute GM
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    May 28th 2017, 10:16 AM

    @Just Some Guy: that’s just an opinion

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    Mute Declan White
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    May 27th 2017, 10:34 PM

    There as a Leinster fan today and happy to support Munster on what I expected to be a hard fought win. They were utterly outclassed like we were last week. Difference being they took nothing from how Scarlets negated our game plan and imposed theirs. They fully deserved to win the Pro 12 this year especially finishing up with two away wins. As said earlier though, very disappointed with Munster fans leaving in droves before the end and the trophy presentation. Not that we can talk with large numbers of so called Leinster fans bailing out last week with Triggs, Kirchner and Ryan playing their last games for us. Fickle, blow in fans show little respect. It’s one of the few things we could traditionally pride ourselves on, when compared to other sports. Sad to see it in the modern rugby fan.

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    Mute sean o'dhubhghaill
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    May 28th 2017, 2:08 PM

    @Declan White: after 100% about fans. Basic rule: never leave the stand before your team have left the field. Obviously the Aviva was full of fair weather fans. No noise no heart no passion.

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    Mute BlueSkyThinking
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    May 27th 2017, 8:23 PM

    Scarlets well deserved winners but two of those tries had forward passes. Scarlets still won and won well but the scoreline not an accurate reflection.

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    Mute Brendan Heery
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    May 27th 2017, 10:15 PM

    @BlueSkyThinking: unfortunately I agree. But for different reasons. I think the scoreline flattered munster. They could have shipped forty by half time and don’t think they put in a 22 point preformance.

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    Mute AJ McLaughlin
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    May 27th 2017, 10:21 PM

    @BlueSkyThinking: The scoreline flattered Munster. Scarlets were the ones playing all the rugby. Munster were shockingly poor, one dimensional, and lacking leadership. Same as Leinster last week.

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    Mute Tom Reilly
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    May 27th 2017, 8:27 PM

    Well at least in Irish rugby we still have Joe Schmidt, a man who knows his craft. He certainly has his work cut out for himself but maybe now his critics will realise the enormity of his role as Irish coach after the debacle of the performances of Leinster and Munster in the last couple of games.

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    Mute Martin Redington
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    May 27th 2017, 8:45 PM

    @Tom Reilly: if he picked players on form…it would make his job a lot easier!

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    Mute Thomondpark Mahon
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    May 27th 2017, 8:59 PM

    @Tom Reilly: Oh dear. You must be soo delighted with Munster losing .. sad state of affairs but it’s not fault you cannot help acting like an as# hole

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    Mute Alan Madden
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    May 28th 2017, 12:47 AM

    @Tom Reilly: goul bag times 2

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    Mute Ollie Watson
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    May 27th 2017, 9:46 PM

    Let’s be honest though are Munster really that good?

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    Mute Gary
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    May 27th 2017, 9:59 PM

    @Ollie Watson: They got to the final of the pro12 and the semi of the champions cup in the same year so yep, that makes them good.

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    Mute Eddiemac
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    May 27th 2017, 8:59 PM

    As a Munster supporter, literally the only 2 negatives I can see from the season have been the loss of Ryan and the new contract for Keatley, 2 absolute head scratchers… The lads were drained after an attritional season and ran out of steam but still a massive improvement from last year… Would love to see more of Sweetnam and Oliver in the team next year… Looking forward to the additions already announced and hopefully a few ringers from South Africa! Well done Munster and obviously well done Scarlets!

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    Mute Eddiemac
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    May 27th 2017, 11:59 PM

    @Paul K Murphy: I like Keatley even if he’s not international quality, but he’s not a step forward… Where does he even fit in next year with JJ back and Bill Johnston coming through?? He shouldn’t be used as cover for full back because he’s simply not explosive enough… He’s had his chances and I think it’s time he was moved on!

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    Mute Gerry O'Brien
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    May 27th 2017, 9:55 PM

    Tadhg Beirne should be added to the Irish squad going to USA and Japan.

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    Mute EK
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    May 27th 2017, 8:23 PM

    Excellent performance from Scarlets managing to outscore Munster in both halves. It’s been an excellent first year of Erasmus’ tenure that has laid good foundations. Munster will be defined not by today’s result but how to react to it next season.

    What winning teams across Europe have shown this year is that you need a strong running game to complement tactical kicking. Munster haven’t quite got that balance yet but with only one year down, they will improve if they stay at it.

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    Mute Thomondpark Mahon
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    May 27th 2017, 8:36 PM

    Munster were well beaten and that’s fine but what pisses me off is trolls on here with their false concern and hidden glee ( the i.told you so brigade or i know it all brigade) it’s a match .. .. we lost …move on

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    Mute Darren Mccarthy
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    May 27th 2017, 8:52 PM

    Well beaten by worthy champions. Ripped apart at will. Roll on next season. SUAF

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    Mute kevin
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    May 27th 2017, 8:16 PM

    Not really Munster though is it. They should rename to limerick. Or Garry constitution to keep limerick and cork happy

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    Mute An_Beal_Bocht
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    May 27th 2017, 8:43 PM

    @kevin: Or just Middle-class schools RFC

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    Mute Deborah Behan
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    May 27th 2017, 10:18 PM

    What happened to their defence? Like a warm knife through butter. They did not deserve to win, unfortunately.

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    Mute munsterbhoy
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    May 27th 2017, 8:55 PM

    Dissappointed for Munster after a largely successfully season. (when everything else is factored into the equation). I have grave concerns for next season, as an Attack Coach, in the mould of Wayne Pivac/ Joe Schmidt/ Pat Lam type creative thinker etc is badly needed. Can’t help but feel munster will be found wanting again next year. Current Munster Management set-up (especially Irish contingent) have not been exposed to enough high quality attack minded rugby. They have no successful previous experience in terms of management and are limited in the knowledge they can bring to the table from an attacking/unstructured rugby pov. As much as i would like to see Felix excel, he will not bring the same kind of nous to the table as a “Stuart Lancaster” type influence has for leinster. Munster MUST add to their coaching ticket next season. The need to canvas the southern hemisphere for a character who can add serious value to the munster coaching ticket next season

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    Mute Christiaan Theron
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    May 27th 2017, 9:57 PM

    @munsterbhoy: This is exactly what happened to Ulster and Les has had to get rid of Clarke and Doak. Nucifora has a lot to answer for here. Irish coaches should do their time in the AIL to learn how to coach. Then the IRFU should ensure that the provinicial assistant appointments are either from outside the province otherwise local coaches tend to rely on their old mates because they struggle to develop young players. Lastly there should be no DOR who has not held a senior coaching position outside of Ireland. Joe Schmidt himself coached junior rugby in Ireland. Cronyism in coaching appointments short cuts learning the craft of coaching.

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    Mute John Kelly
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    May 28th 2017, 1:53 AM

    Welsh club rugby has been in the gutter for years. It never made sense they won gran slams and yet the club game was a joke. Rugby is the no 1 sport in wales the no 4 in Ireland. Wales and new Zealand have similar numbers of people who play rugby. The way the teams in wales were amalgamated didn’t help the welsh but time has moved on and a new generation don’t care . We are looking at the dawn of the rise of welsh rugby and the likely hood is we wont be able to compete.

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    Mute Rollander
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    May 28th 2017, 1:36 AM

    Delighted to see Scarlets regain some prestige and come more to the fore. Hopefully they can keep up this form next year and into Europe. This result is ultimately good for the league.

    Sad to see Munster lose, but like Leinster, they were well beaten.

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    Mute Coco86
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    May 28th 2017, 11:07 AM

    I see a lot of province bashing from opposing so called fans below. Does anybody have a grown up legitimate reason as to why this happens?

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    Mute Dead Ball Browne
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    May 27th 2017, 10:26 PM

    Who is coming to Munstr next year!!

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    Mute Ro Molloy
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    May 29th 2017, 2:04 PM

    Munster obviously didnt watch the Leinster v Scarlets semi-final. Went to the final expecting Munster to not be surprised by what Scarlets would do. That and the fact it peed rain all day so not really a day for runnign offloading rugby. How wrong was I. Scarlets are really a joy to watch. Any sniff of a turnover anf they quickly get into attacking mode (no kickin possession away). They pack one side of the field, create overlaps for fun and score at will. Superb support running and handling. Watching the game on Saturday was like watching the Leinster match the previous week. The side I was supporting were getting torn to shreds but you just gotta admire the quality rugby played by the deserved champions. For three years now we have had champions playing attractive, effective attafcking rugby. Long may it continue!

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    Mute Con Murphy
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    May 28th 2017, 11:47 AM

    Great to see the Traitors lose. Colonial.

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    Mute sean o'dhubhghaill
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    May 28th 2017, 3:51 PM

    @Con Murphy: traitors?
    I don’t understand.

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