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Munster 19 v 9 Leinster

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via leinsterrugby.ie

Leinster fell to a 10-point defeat to Munster in their final match of the season, missing out on a potential Magners League and Heineken Cup double...

Leinster had their periods of dominance in the league decider at Thomond Park, but their failure to convert pressure into points came back to haunt them in the end.

Jonathan Sexton kicked three penalties from four attempts for the visitors, while Sean O'Brien, Richardt Strauss, Fergus McFadden, Kevin McLaughlin and Nathan Hines all went close to scoring tries.

Munster managed to soak up the pressure in both halves and keep their try-line intact, with Doug Howlett's 12th-minute touchdown setting them on the way to their second Magners League title in three years.

Joe Schmidt's men travelled to Limerick in buoyant mood, just seven days after their heroic Heineken Cup final victory over Northampton Saints.

Gordon D'Arcy's ankle injury saw McFadden join Brian O'Driscoll in the centre for Leinster, who reintroduced Heinke van der Merwe and Shane Jennings in the pack.

It was a win apiece earlier in the campaign - Leinster were 13-9 winners at the Aviva Stadium and a Ronan O'Gara-inspired Munster claimed a 24-23 triumph in Limerick last month - and there was a typically bruising opening to the grand final.

Sexton miscued a long range penalty with the wind behind him, six minutes in, and although Leinster won a series of early turnovers, Munster were first on the scoreboard.

The Munster pack laid the groundwork before Lifeimi Mafi got away from Eoin Reddan and laid the ball off for former All Black Howlett to score in the corner.

O'Gara read the wind superbly to stab the conversion over, rewarding his forwards for a solid start. Paul O'Connell and man-of-the-match David Wallace were both to the fore, the latter keen to impress in his 200th outing for Munster.

The turnover rate was high as the sides scrapped for every ball, with O'Brien, Jennings and Jamie Heaslip putting their bodies on the line. Leinster patiently worked themselves into the game amid a series of attacks from deep.

One such counter led to a cynical shoulder charge by Marcus Horan on O'Driscoll which was missed by the match officials. However, a subsequent scrum infringement saw Sexton convert his first penalty goal from a central position.

There was little to chose between the sides coming up to half-time and given the balance of play, Leinster would have been pleased to go in just 7-3 behind at the break.

A sparkling run and pass from O'Driscoll got Leinster immediately into scoring range early in the second half. Their forwards battered away at Munster's defensive line until Donncha O'Callaghan was sin-binned for not rolling away in front of his posts.

Sexton took the three points on offer and Munster staved off Leinster's next assault on their line - Strauss, who almost got over from a lineout move, and McFadden, tackled brilliantly by Wallace and James Coughlan, were both thwarted.

A looping pass from Sexton was mishandled by McFadden as Munster were caught for numbers out wide, but the Leinster out-half was successful with a right-sided penalty soon after for a 9-7 lead.

With just 20 minutes remaining, it was anybody's game. After such an absorbing game in Cardiff last Saturday, tiredness seemed to become a factor for the men in blue as Munster got on the front foot again.

They barged back to within metres of the Leinster line, a thunderous tackle from Luke Fitzgerald knocking Howlett to the ground just when a try looked on.

But Munster turned the screw when O'Gara lofted a cross-field kick over to Earls who avoided Isa Nacewa's initial challenge and scored despite the best efforts of Shane Horgan and O'Driscoll.

O'Gara was narrowly wide with the conversion and watched his 48-metre penalty miss the target, with nine minutes remaining.

However, Leinster's hopes were extinguished by the concession of a third try. Munster drove them back in two successive scrums close to their line and referee Nigel Owens signalled for a penalty try after the second one.

O'Gara's conversion took the lead to 10 points and although the game was now beyond them, Leinster, with the departing Paul O'Donohoe now on the pitch, were inches away from grabbing an injury-time try. Kevin McLaughlin and Nathan Hines both went close in the dying minutes.

MUNSTER SCORERS: D. Howlett (1 try), K. Earls (1 try), Penalty try, R. O'Gara (2 conversions)

LEINSTER SCORERS: J. Sexton (3 penalties)

MUNSTER: F Jones; D Howlett, D Barnes, L Mafi, K Earls; R O'Gara, C Murray; M Horan, D Varley, J Hayes, D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell CAPTAIN, D Ryan, D Wallace, J Coughlan

REPLACEMENTS: M Sherry, W du Preez, S Archer, D Leamy, N Ronan, P Stringer, P Warwick, J Murphy

LEINSTER:

15: Isa Nacewa
14: Shane Horgan
13: Brian O'Driscoll
12: Fergus McFadden
11: Luke Fitzgerald
10: Jonathan Sexton
9: Eoin Reddan (Paul O'Donohoe, 77)

1: Heinke van der Merwe (Cian Healy, 59)
2: Richardt Strauss
3: Mike Ross (Stan Wright, 71)
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Nathan Hines
6: Sean O'Brien (Kevin McLaughlin, 59)
7: Shane Jennings (Aaron Dundon, 71)
8: Jamie Heaslip

REPLACEMENTS NOT USED: Devin Toner, Ian Madigan, Eoin O'Malley

REFEREE: Nigel Owens (WRU), ASSISTANT REFEREES: Tim Hayes, David Jones (both WRU), 4th OFFICIAL: Alan Rogan (IRFU), 5th OFFICIAL: Trevor Collins (IRFU), TMO: Nigel Whitehouse (WRU)

via leinsterrugby.ie

Dates confirmed for Heineken Cup

Toulouse v Biarritz Heineken Cup final May 10

Toulouse set for Sunday

English challengers Leicester and Northampton will play on different days of the Heineken Cup quarter-final weekend later this season.

Tigers' clash against Leinster - a repeat of the 2009 final - will take place on Saturday, April 9 at Dublin's Aviva Stadium, with a 6pm kick-off.

Top seeds Saints, meanwhile, will face Ulster at the stadium:mk in Milton Keynes the following day at 2pm.

Perpignan's quarter-final against Toulon is set for the 55,000-capacity Olympic Stadium in Barcelona on the Saturday, with Sunday's action concluded by Heineken Cup holders Toulouse facing Biarritz at Estadio Anoeta, San Sebastian.

The semi-finals see Leinster or Leicester facing Biarritz or Toulouse, with Northampton or Ulster meeting Perpignan or Toulon.

via planetrugby.com

D'Arcy keen to bully Boks

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Meeting fire with fire: D'Arcy

Gordon D'Arcy has warned South Africa that Ireland will be doing the bullying at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

 

The Irish are hoping to avoid a fourth successive Test defeat in the opening fixture of their gruelling four-match autumn schedule.

South Africa are famed for their muscular approach but D'Arcy, who will be winning his 50th cap, insists Ireland will not be cowed.

"We're not really looking at them as the world champions," he said.

"We are looking at them as South Africa. A physical, physical, physical team.

"Not as the world champions, but as a massive team that are coming to bully you in your own back yard.

"There's a bit of an adjustment in your mentality. You know you are meeting fire with fire.

"The only way to face these guys is to stand toe to toe with them. If there is any bullying to be done, we will do it."

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll has stated that his perennial centre partner will lead the team out on Saturday, but D'Arcy is keen to avoid the limelight.

"It's just a number. You can be sure I won't be leading the team out," he said.

"I suppose now I'm just happy playing rugby. I was probably more comfortable with the attention a few years ago.

"It makes me very, very uncomfortable now. I've nothing new to say.

"There are a lot of lads on the team closing in on the hundred cap mark, which is probably much more of an achievement.

"I've been around the same amount of time as them and have half the number of caps."

D'Arcy admits that having played alongside O'Driscoll for most of his professional career, the pair have developed a superb understanding.

"I know the guy inside out," said the 30-year-old Leinster and Lions back.

"It's probably the one partnership where the level of communication is lower than in most cases because we read body language.

"We trust each other implicitly. He knows if he comes out I'll swing in behind and vice versa.

"He knows if I'm going to hit him with a pass or not. After 12 years you'd hope that's the case.

"When we started playing he was at 13 and I was on the wing. We were always playing besides each other.

"We've always tried to push things, too. We have tried to up the ante."

via planetrugby.com

My hand was forced - PdV

04th November 2010 17:15

Peter De Villiers 2010

De Villiers: Has faith in his team

Peter de Villiers admitted he had little choice when selecting his South Africa team for their Grand Slam tour opener against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

The Springbok coach included uncapped flanker Deon Stegmann in his starting XV, while rising young star Patrick Lambie could also play his first game if centre Jean de Villiers fails a late fitness test.

The 20-year-old Sharks back, who has played full-back, fly-half and centre this season, was named man of the match in the Currie Cup final over the weekend with his 25-point haul helping his team beat Western Province 30-10.

He is on stand-by in case Jean de Villiers fails to overcome his groin problem and, if he does, will then drop to the bench where he is bracketed alongside another newcomer in wing Lwazi Mvovo.

Two further uncapped players were named among the replacements. Loose forward Willem Alberts is struggling with a calf problem with Keegan Daniel waiting in the wings.

Bulls forward Stegmann, 24, was only added to the squad this week after Schalk Burger withdrew because of a broken rib he sustained in Currie Cup final.

In total, the team shows eight changes to the one which last played against Australia during the Tri Nations, with Victor Matfield captaining the world champions in the absence of injured John Smit.

"It's a new-look side but with 13 season-ending injuries it couldn't be anything else," Peter de Villiers said.

"But we're looking on the positive side and this is a great opportunity to test some new players in the toughest conditions.

"We also have a number of senior players returning to the team after long lay-offs for one reason or another and they are keen to re-stake their claim to a starting place.

"We've not had much time to bed this new team together but the players have worked hard all week to be as well prepared as we possibly can be."

Props Tendai Mtawarira and Bismarck du Plessis will make their first appearances of the season, while lock Bakkies Botha returns after suspension.

Reflecting on Stegmann's selection, the coach said: "Deon is an open-side in the traditional style and has been outstanding for his province.

"He is used to playing with Pierre (Spies) and we need an out and out specialist to counter Ireland at the breakdown."

But the big talking point is certainly at centre.

If former Munster midfielder Jean de Villiers does fail his fitness test, it means full-back Zane Kirchner, who only has 10 caps to his name, could play alongside Lambie in one of the most untried pairing in recent Springbok memory.

The coach, however, has confidence in his selections.

"Our hand has been forced in our centre selection," said De Villiers.

"Hopefully Jean will recover in time but if not, Patrick Lambie has played at inside centre for the Sharks before he was moved to 10 and Zane is defensively strong and a strong ball runner."

Ulster-based Ruan Pienaar returns to the number nine jersey he last wore against the Wallabies in July.

After their clash at the Aviva Stadium, the Springboks play Wales in Cardiff followed by matches against Scotland, England and the Barbarians.

via planetrugby.com

IRFU backs down over ticketing row

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via espnscrum.com

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has been forced into an embarrassing climb down over its ticketing strategy for the upcoming autumn internationals.

The organisation announced last month that supporters could not buy tickets on an individual basis for Ireland's November Tests against South Africa, Samoa, New Zealand and Argentina, meaning that those wishing to attend all of the games at the redeveloped Lansdowne Road venue would have to fork out a grand total of €340 (£280).

The announcement of the new pricing structure was met with widespread criticism, not least because the game-by-game breakdown of match ticket prices indicated a price hike of 25 percent in comparison to last year's Tests at Croke Park, and it sparked a revolt a club level and poor sales.

Despite initially insisting it would be standing firm on the issue, the IRFU admitted after a management committee meeting on Monday night that it had "made an error in its ticketing strategy" and promised to review the scheme after the conclusion of the national team's autumnal programme.

"There has been slower than expected demand for this autumn's Guinness Series," IRFU chief executive Philip Browne stated. "There are a number of elements impacting on this situation since the sales structure was drawn up in March 2010, including a further significant deterioration in the economic climate.

"While the situation varies from club to club we are aware that a number of clubs are still in possession of tickets for matches. In the interests of Irish Rugby, the IRFU, the Branches and the Clubs, must continue to work hard to sell these tickets right up to kick-off for each match.

"The IRFU do not want to see clubs suffer financial hardship as a result of being unable to sell ticket packages for this Guinness Series and consequently will only seek immediate payment for tickets sold. On completion of the series, the IRFU will work with the Branches and Clubs to assess the effect of the reduced demand for tickets.

"In addition the IRFU will undertake a comprehensive review of its entire ticket sales strategy, which includes price tiering, bundling and distribution channels. As part of this review, which will commence immediately on completion of the Guinness Series, it will consult widely with its stakeholders."

© ESPN EMEA Ltd

Boks to face strong Irish outfit

02nd November 2010 10:45

Luke Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald: Back for Ireland

Ireland have been boosted by the return of several key players for Saturday's November Test opener against South Africa at Aviva Stadium.

The biggest change comes on the wing where British and Irish Lions' ace Luke Fitzgerald returns to the international side for the first time in 12 months.

Fitzgerald, who last played for Ireland against Australia last November, joins Tommy Bowe and Rob Kearney in the back three.

Skipper Brian O'Driscoll has been passed fit to start having recovered from a hamstring injury and will be partnered in midfield by Gordon D'Arcy.

Eoin Reddan has got the nod for the number nine jersey over the vastly experienced Peter Stringer, while Rory Best starts at hooker.

Ulsterman Best missed the June tour to New Zealand and Australia with an ankle injury but he will partner props Tony Buckley and Cian Healey.

In the back row, Stephen Ferris, David Wallace and Jamie Heaslip will look to form a formidable-looking unit.

Kicking king Ronan O'Gara has to settle for a place on the bench, though, with Jonathan Sexton preferred at fly-half.

"I feel good and I'm looking forward to the team coming back to what is essentially our home," said O'Driscoll, who will play his first game in four weeks.

"We've enjoyed our time at Croke Park but now we want to make some memories at the new stadium.

"It would have been disappointing to miss the first game at the new Aviva so I'm looking forward to playing."

Ireland: 15 Robert Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (c), 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Luke Fitzgerald, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 David Wallace, 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Mick O'Driscoll, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 Tony Buckley, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Tom Court, 18 Donnacha Ryan, 19 Denis Leamy, 20 Peter Stringer, 21 Ronan O'Gara, 22 Keith Earls.

Date: Saturday, November 6
Venue: Aviva Stadium
Kick-off: 17:30 GMT
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Assistant referees: Brice Lawrence (New Zealand), Keith Brown (New Zealand)
Television match official: Hugh Watkins (Wales)

via planetrugby.com

Rob rueing a full stop

THERE’S a restlessness about Rob Kearney that can be hard to explain. Ask him about his own form and he delicately deflects any praise to the wider team dynamic.

Talk to the Leinster and Ireland full-back about the province’s improved good run of form and he looks to the future. Mention the word ‘drive’ and he pinpoints the ongoing quest for excellence.

So, in sporting terms, he’s never happy. Which is why, when earlier this week reflecting on Leinster’s win in the Sportsground, he found holes in the performance with only the faintest hint of praise.

In his six appearances to date this season he has grown immeasurably with each passing moment.

STRIDES

He acknowledges the strides that Leinster have made in recent weeks and though he is unlikely to be involved in tomorrow night’s clash, he believes the Leinster squad have the strength to get a winning result against a high-flying Edinburgh.

“When you win a tight game like last weekend, you know that you’re in a better position than we had been in the earlier weeks, but we’re nowhere near the level we want to be at,” the 24-year-old maintained.

“I think last Saturday was a really important win for us because we could have slipped down the table a little bit further, so to get the four points away from home keeps us kicking along nicely towards the top four.”

How would he assess the previous month given the difficulties experienced in the opening rounds of the Magners League? “Pleasing,” he says with a gush of delight mixed with relief.

“It was a fantastic few weeks kick-started by the victory over Munster in the Aviva Stadium and we built on that form into two really difficult opening rounds in the Heineken Cup.

CHARACTER

“Having come through those three games the Connacht match was a massive test of our character because in the past we might have taken the foot off the gas.

But we backed up the previous weeks with a hard fought win in Galway, which is always a tough place to come to and win.

“The start of the season didn’t go exactly to plan, but we have shown character to turn it around.”

This week’s focus shifted for Kearney to the Ireland training camp in Limerick ahead of the start of the Guinness Series. With the Springboks arriving in Dublin next week, Ireland will need to hit the ground running.

Before that Kearney will be an interested, albeit frustrated, spectator when he takes his place in the stands alongside some of his international colleagues.

In a strange circumstance, those who have been selected for next week’s Ireland squad are neither injured, suspended nor out of favour but yet are unavailable for selection.

Opportunity will knock once more for some of the younger guns who, along with a handful of experienced players, will attempt to temper the capabilities of what is sure to be a full strength Edinburgh side.

via herald.ie

Blues wait on Drico's fitness

Friday October 15 2010

Leinster may take a wait and see approach without regard to injured Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll ahead of tomorrow evening's Heineken Cup group match against Saracens at Wembley.

O'Driscoll suffered a hamstring injury during the weekend victory over Racing Metro and the centre will not line out unless he is fully fit.

Leinster skills coach Richie Murphy said: "Brian's recovering well. He's been in rehab all week and there is a chance he will be there. But what's best for us and for Ireland is that if there's a doubt at all -- he'll know that and so will the medical staff -- they'll pull him."

Irish coach Declan Kidney will be hoping the injury is nothing more severe than a strain, with a four-match autumn programme starting with South Africa on November 6, the official opening of the Aviva Stadium.

 

Thomond a sell out

RUGBY: Munster have sold all the tickets for tomorrow's Heineken Cup clash against Toulon at Thomond Park in a game that will have a bearing on what is expected to be this season's tightest group.

Jonny Wilkinson has been Toulon's match-winner this season, with 149 points in all competitions, and he believes that his move to France last year did not so much prolong his career as save it. "For a long time rugby just meant fighting against injuries and media pressure, the weight of the 2003 and 2007 World Cups," he said. "It wasn't rugby anymore, but maybe just work. I am enjoying my game again with Toulon and I am a different player."

Aviva stage is half the battle

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via herald.ie

Leinster out-half Jonathan Sexton will continue his World Cup duel with Ronan O'Gara when Munster travel to the Aviva Stadium in what promises to be an encounter of savage intensity one month into the Magners League on the first Saturday in October.

The individual head-to-head is as competitive as ever: "Leinster are playing Munster here before the internationals, so that will be a chance for a couple of the out-halfs that might be in contention to get a few kicks," said Sexton.

The predominantly white and glass backdrop at the north-side end could make it difficult for the prospective kickers. It will provide another layer of pressure for two players eager to impress Declan Kidney ahead of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

"I haven't seen it with the posts up. I've heard you can't really see the posts. That was before the first game here (the combined provinces match) but the lads didn't have a problem kicking into them. I am sure the first couple of times will be a bit strange. But you get used to it," he added.

It is clear from the Leinster players that coach Joe Schmidt will return the responsibility for decision-making to the players ahead of the first pre-season match against London Wasps at Donnybrook on Friday evening. He will ask them to take hold of a game in a way they, perhaps, did not do last season.

"We've learned a lot already in the time he has been here. Training has been different and refreshing. Obviously, we are working off his ideas and game plan and structures. It has been brilliant -- a breath of fresh air," said Sexton.

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll spoke of his intentional decision not to attend any grand opening of the stadium. He was genuinely impressed at the magnificence of Ireland's new home.

"It is hugely exciting. You can't imagine what the old Lansdowne looked like when you see the Aviva down at pitch level. It is going to be fantastic when we get the opportunity to run out here," said O'Driscoll. "I purposely haven't been shown around the place because I wanted it to be exciting for the first time I got to come down here, whether it be for Leinster or Ireland."

The Irish captain will get to sample a full Aviva for Leinster and Ireland before Christmas, if he can stay free from injury, given that Leinster CEO Mick Dawson confirmed the coup of playing two marquee matches against Munster in the Magners League (Saturday, October 2) and Clermont-Auvergne in the Heineken Cup (Saturday, December 18).

"Leinster have enjoyed many outstanding moments in Lansdowne Road down through the years and we are confident that this double-header will kick-start an exciting new era for the province," said Dawson.

"We were proud to stage 'The Last Stand' against Ulster in December 2006 and we are grateful to the IRFU for enabling us to use this outstanding facility. Obviously, we remain committed long-term to the RDS, a real fortress for the team and our loyal supporters.

"But the move for these two games to the Aviva presents an enormous opportunity for those who can't readily access tickets to top-class rugby across the province.

"At the moment, it wouldn't be our intention to play any more games in the Aviva. We think two is about right. We want to fill it on both occasions. It is important, from a players' perspective, that we get it full.

"We're optimistic, with the market research we have done. If we fill it for the Munster match, the people who come here will have a good atmosphere -- the team will hopefully be going well.

"We have a plan. Obviously, Clermont won't bring too many people with them whereas Munster will probably take their quota, which is 8,000-9,000 tickets.

"The RDS is still our home. We are committed to them. We have a long-term agreement with them. We have a 20-year arrangement with The RDS. We have a break clause after 10 years. The RDS understand what we are trying to do.

"In the long term, we could knock down the Anglesea Stand and improve that stadium there and get it up to about 23,000-24,000 which is probably about right," insisted Dawson.

It is a long-term plan that will only be realised through short-term success. The season hasn't even started and the pressure is already on.

- Des Berry

via herald.ie

GUINNESS Series Dates Confirmed

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via irishrugby.ie

The Aviva Stadium will welcome international rugby during the GUINNESS Series for the first time since Ireland beat the Pacific Islands team in November 2006 in what the final international game at the old Lansdowne Road Stadium.

All of the GUINNESS Series games will take place at the Aviva Stadium, with current World Cup holders South Africa opening the run of international fixtures on Saturday, November 6 (kick-off 5.30pm).

To mark the special occasion, South Africa has waived its right and unique rugby tradition where the visiting team wears its home jersey when there is a clash of colours.

This will allow the Ireland team to wear its famous green jersey for the first international game at the Aviva Stadium.

Ireland will play a further three internationals during November with Samoa the next visitors to the Aviva Stadium a week later on Saturday, November 13 (kick-off 2.30pm)

New Zealand will make their first appearance at the Aviva Stadium with another 5.30pm kick-off on Saturday, November 20, and the GUINNESS Series will finish on a Sunday with the visit of Argentina on November 28 at 2.30pm.

2010 GUINNESS SERIES FIXTURES:

IRELAND v South Africa
 Aviva Stadium
Saturday, November 6, 5.30pm

IRELAND v Samoa
 Aviva Stadium
Saturday, November 13, 2.30pm

IRELAND v New Zealand
 Aviva Stadium
Saturday, November 20, 5.30pm

IRELAND v Argentina
 Aviva Stadium
Sunday, November 28, 2.30pm

via irishrugby.ie

 

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