Munster abu!

It has been a long road for Munster rugby. They have knocked on the door a number of times, but they have finally been allowed to take their rightful place at the top table of European Rugby.

Having learnt how to win in 2006, the pressure was not the same going into Saturday’s final.

Previously, I said that if Tomas O’Leary started Toulouse would win. I was wrong (obviously), and while the service to Ronan O’Gara was not as slick as the outhalf is accustomed to, O’Leary marshalled his pack well and remained calm under pressure when clearing his lines on a number of important occasions. And he cannot be to blame for the Toulouse try, despite it being he who kicked the ball into touch.

Having soaked up so much Munster pressure and scored a try while captain Fabian Pelous was in the sin-bin, many would have expected the French team to step it up another gear and put increased pressure on the Munster line. But it wasn’t to be.

While many a Munster fan would not have been so positive after the first 20 minutes of the game, having endured a ferocious Toulouse onslaught and only down three points, a lot of heart was taken from it.

The French side would not have been happy with such a small lead from three attempted drops at goal. Not a good return on investment.

It was a game for the purists, while it ebbed and flowed, the final 20 minutes of warfare were the most intense this Heineken Cup Final has ever seen. The manner in which the Munster pack doggedly attacked the fringes time and again was a joy to behold. Not once did you see a player in navy lie prostrate waiting for the next play. Immediately back on their feet, ready to go over the top once more. Twice they gave away penalties. Twice they quickly retrieved possession from Toulouse with some almighty line-out and midfield defence. Where the strength was found to physically rip the ball from the French players is anyone’s guess. A 16th player always welcome and boy did the supporters play their part.

But to hold possession for the guts of 15 minutes at the end of such a battle truly showed this team’s physical and mental mettle. Quite how Alan Quinlan has been overlooked for selection on the Irish team is anyone’s guess.

So Declan Kidney leaves Munster a much happier man than his last exit in 2002 after the loss to Leicester Tigers. And he can attack his new Irish role with a renewed vigour, and as one of Europe’s most successful coaches.

Last one out turn off the lights

Once again, the mass exodus from Munster begins as all roads lead to Cardiff. Any train, plane, automobile, ferry, helicopter or speed boat leaving these shores this week will be full to the brim of red jerseys. The most circuitous routes will be taken to ensure arrival in the Welsh capital in time for Saturday’s 5pm kick-off.

Munster have almost made the Millenium Stadium a home-from-home as they challenge for the Heineken European Rugby Cup (to give it its full and correct name) in Wales for the third time in seven years. It is their fourth final in nine.

As a twice previous pilgrim, the search for transport, let alone accommodation only adds to the adventure. Do not be surprised to see Munster jerseys on any flight out of Ireland this week, regardless if you are heading to Newcastle, East Midlands, Southampton or even Glasgow.

Those flights are not restricted to Friday and Saturday, fully expect some people to begin travelling from Wednesday. Indeed it was reported that it is now even hard to avail of the use of a camper van to travel across, such has been the demand. And with so many hotels, inns, hostels, B&Bs full from Cardiff to Bristol and beyond, the camper van is an inspired decision. Let’s just hope the ferries travel. And on time.

Having battled through arguably the toughest-ever group in European Cup history, beaten Gloucester in Kingholm and then seen off a dogged Saracens team, Munster must be wondering what they have to do to get their hands on the trophy.

And the final doesn’t get any easier. Playing against the Kings of Europe, Stade Toulousain, there is no room for error, as the three times Champions will take full advantage. However, with their ace finisher Vincent Clerc out injured, a respite has been afforded the Munster men.

Playing against the European Royalty, Munster will have to be at the top of their game and have their best 15 players on the pitch. That should include Peter Stringer. The Irish scrum-half was dropped for the quarter-final and Tomas O’Leary had a storming game against Gloucester. But the same cannot be said for his semi-final performance. That he was not taken off at any stage in the second-half, let alone at half-time, beggared belief as O’Leary failed to provide the required calm and leadership sought by the pack.

If the same number of mistakes are made and the ball kicked away so aimlessly in the final by either O’Leary or Stringer, the European Cup will be returning to the South West of France. This match is too important to not start Stringer who is pivotal to the marshalling of the Munster pack, as well as the vital extra time he allows Ronan O’Gara on the ball.

This game is too close to call. The bookies only have the handicap at two points in Munster’s favour. If Stringer starts, Munster will win. But that is far from guaranteed.

The clash between these two teams will of biblical proportions. Let the pilgrimage begin. Last one out, turn off the lights.