MUNSTER ENDED THEIR five-game losing streak with a nail-biting 9-7 win over Ulster in Belfast.
Read our match report here.
Keatley’s composure
The Munster out-half was named man of the match after an excellent performance on his return. Having been taken out of the firing line for last weekend’s defeat to Leinster, Keatley looked as fresh as he has in some months and shone for Munster today.
His lack of form in recent weeks has been well documented, but this was a timely reminder of his quality. Under intense pressure, the former Connacht man delivered with utter composure.
His two penalties were superb, particularly the winner from wide on the right, while his drop goal at a crucial point in the game was also confidently struck. His kicking from hand was just as impressive, as he found holes deep behind Ulster and also fired some impressive line kicks into touch.
Around the pitch, he provided the stewardship that was sorely absent against Leinster last weekend. An evening of redemption for the Munster playmaker.
Back row balance
On paper it was the best back row Munster have fielded this season and the results on the pitch proved to be exactly that. With Tommy O’Donnell back after his hip injury, Munster have the openside they have so clearly been missing this season.
The Ireland flanker’s presence lifted the performances of everyone else around him. A leader with his intelligence on the pitch, O’Donnell’s comeback is a major boost for Munster.
CJ Stander was his hard-carrying self at number eight, earning vital yards time and gain for Munster, while Jack O’Donoghue was perhaps the most outstanding of the province’s back row trio.
The 21-year-old delivered a complete display, carrying superbly, winning turnovers, stealing lineout ball, and tackling ferociously. The Waterford man has performed well in filling in for O’Donnell at openside, but his value is even greater in the 6 or 8 shirts. His potential is huge.
If Munster can keep this back row trio fit and firing, they have every chance of turning their season around.
Momentum changer?
Munster avoided notching a record sixth consecutive defeat, and this victory must now act as the catalyst for a revival in their entire season. Next weekend sees them travel to Paris to face Stade Français in a bid to keep their Champions Cup campaign alive.
The Top 14 outfit have had their own struggles this season after winning the French title in 2014/15, meaning Munster will have a justifiable belief that they can now bring momentum to Stade Jean Bouin and win.
This evening’s victory in Ulster was imperfect, but the signs of determination, work rate, and mental steel were hugely encouraging. The maul was better, the defence vastly improved and the individual performances all far better.
The attack continues to struggle and there are a host of other important work-ons for the province, but the relief brought about by ending the losing streak should help in all of those areas.
With the likes of Simon Zebo, Keith Earls, Donnacha Ryan, Conor Murray, James Cronin and captain Peter O’Mahony all missing, the success was all the sweeter.
McCloskey’s form continues
Another big performance from Stuart McCloskey for Ulster is hardly a surprise at this point. The 23-year-old is the most in form centre in Ireland at present and his Six Nations claims grow by the week.
The Bangor man will link up with Joe Schmidt’s Ireland squad tomorrow for a 24-hour camp as preparations for the Six Nations begin, while the belief that he will be capped in February continues to strengthen.
McCloskey’s carrying and passing were sharp again today for Ulster, while his prowess in the choke tackle was underlined too. A physical specimen of rare quality, McCloskey looks ready for the next level of the game.
