Murray Kinsella reports from the Sportsground
ALL IN ALL, this was another highly satisfying evening’s work for Rassie Erasmus and his increasingly impressive Munster group.
The rain dictated that this was unlikely to be their most rampant attacking performance, but the southern province showed defensive prowess and a clinical edge to account for Connacht on a 16-9 scoreline, extending their Guinness Pro12 lead to five points in the process.
The South African director of rugby has been composed throughout his tenure in Limerick and despite nine wins in Munster’s last 10 games, Erasmus isn’t getting carried away.
Nonetheless, he is optimistic that his side can build on their form in the three European clashes against Racing 92 and Glasgow in the next three weeks.
“You always bite yourself in the arse if you say something stupid here and now, but I just think we have a lot of potential,” said Erasmus after Munster’s victory in Galway.
I think while we are developing that potential as a group, as coaches we are young coaches. Felix [Jones] is a young coach, he will make a lot of mistakes as he goes on, the same with Jerry Flannery, the same with myself and the same with the players.
“We will get runs like this where it’s really going well and we’ll lose some games. Someone like Dan Goggin has previously made mistakes but then he goes to a game like this and plays really well.
“For me, it’s about trying to maximise our potential as players, management and a coaching team. I think we’re doing it. I’m not saying at all that we’re going to win the league or definitely be champions, but as long as we can do that week-on-week we’ll turn into a good unit.”
Top of the Pro12, with two wins in three games in Europe, Erasmus nods when asked if he’d have happily accepted the province’s current position at the beginning of the campaign.
Again, he urges caution though.
“It’s good where we are currently but we’re not stupid, we know what’s coming.”
First up is the re-arranged clash with Racing in Paris next Saturday, an occasion that promises to be emotional after the death of Anthony Foley when the fixture was originally scheduled to take place.
Munster will welcome back their Ireland international contingent, who missed this evening’s game due to the IRFU’s player management programme, although flanker Tommy O’Donnell is an injury concern after being helped off against Connacht.
The Tipp man looked in trouble as he departed and Erasmus wasn’t wholly optimistic.
His anke was injured,” said Erasmus. “Tommy is the kind of guy who wouldn’t go off the field if his ankle isn’t sore. Hopefully it’s not too bad but it looks sore.”
Despite that injury, it was another fine evening for Munster as they managed the weather conditions well at the Sportsground.
Erasmus praised halfback pairing Duncan Williams and Ian Keatley for their tactical kicking, and also pointed out that several fringe players had put their hands up when given starting opportunities in Galway.
Once again, Munster’s defence starred and Erasmus was pleased to see Connacht restricted to just nine points off the tee.
“I would never like to single out players and coaches, because it’s always a team effort, but obviously, Jacques [Nienaber] and Felix with the kicking game because that helps your defensive system,” said Erasmus.
“I think there’s a few unsung heroes this season so far. A guy like Duncan Williams is just tremendous on defence. I saw Dan and Francis [Saili] together for the first time in a long time today and I think Dan was one of 12 or 13 players who came through the academy structure, so it’s nice to see they are coming through and stepping up to the mark.
“Everybody that didn’t play the week previously got in and slotted into the defensive system. The weather makes it a little bit easier but it still takes a lot of guts to tackle like that against a quality team like Connacht.”
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