No festive cheer for Connacht as they rue missed opportunities to topple Munster

22^nd December 2012

Connacht             12

Munster              16

Munster prop Dave Kilcoyne on one of his many carries against Connacht at the Sportsground

In a rain sodden Sportsground played in difficult underfoot conditions, both Connacht and Munster went head to head in this Inter Provincial derby with both sides trying to cure the hangover of defeats in the Heineken Cup the previous weekend.

I had the pleasure of being at the Sportsground two weeks ago to witness Connacht’s historic Heineken Cup victory over Biarritz.  On the night outhalf Dan Parks game management skills were very much to the fore and again tonight Parks produced a very O’Gara-esque performance in every facet but to steer his team to victory.  On the other hand Munster coach Rob Penney will be pleased at how his much changed team ground out this victory and the character shown by the younger members of his squad once more.

Both sides re juggled their teams for this encounter with the home side bringing in centre Danny Poolman, hooker Jason Harris-Wright and prop Nathan White to their side.  Munster rested the majority of their international contingent with Denis Hurley, Ian Keatley, Pater Stringer, Billy Holland and Stephen Archer coming in.  Prop Dave Kilcoyne also returned from illness and winger Johne Murphy replaced captain Dougie Howlett for only his second appearance of the season and first start, James Coughlan taking over the captains armband.

Typical of the close encounters between these sides at the Galway venue over the past number of seasons, both sets of forward packs were giving very little away in the early stages.  After Connacht outhalf Dan Parks had overcooked his kick off which went straight in to touch on the full, he made amends in the tenth minute when kicking the home side in to the lead after Munster were penalised for coming in from the side. 

The lead was short lived however and after the Elwood’s men were penalised in the 16^th minute, Keatley converted and now the scores were tied at 3-3.  Parks was continually pinning Munster back in their own half with his astute kicking and the pressure told in the 23^rd minute with the men in red penalised once more.  Parks again converted and the home side held a well deserved 6-3 lead at this juncture.

And it looked like the home side were going to be given an early Christmas present in the 32^nd minute when Munster winger Luke O’Dea spilled the ball in midfield after a crossfield backline move.  The alert Vainikolo picked up and sprinted along the touchline where it looked like he would make the touchdown in the corner.  However, Munster’s Ian Keatley must be credited for his scrambling defence and for bundling the bustling Tongan in to touch just before the corner flag.

And Connacht were made to pay in the 35^th minute, when, after hooker Jason Harris-Wright was penalised and yellow carded for going off his feet, Munster got the squeeze on the resultant scrum and referee Dudley Philips ran under the posts to award Munster a penalty try.  Keatley converted to give Munster a 10-6 lead and a major physchological boost.  And after Park’s resultant kick off drifted too long, the away side won a penalty from the following scrum back and Keatley converted to give Munster a 13-6 lead going in at the half time break.

No doubt Connacht coach Eric Elwood would have stressed to his team at half time that their game plan had been effective in parts but that they needed to be more clinical and convert their possession in to scores.  However, it was Munster who were out of the blocks quicker, and after the home side were penalised for going off their feet, Keatley converted to extend Munster’s lead to 16-6.  This was to be Munster’s final score of the game as they spent the remainder of the half trying to hold back the green tide.

Connacht had an opportunity to reduce the deficit in the 44^th minute when Keatley was penalised for not releasing, but after kicking to the corner, Munster defended desperately and cleared.  However, Munster were penalised once more a minute later for not rolling away, captain James Coughlan was warned by the referee of this repeated offending, and Parks again converted to reduce the deficit to 9-16.

And following a deft chip by Parks from a 22 drop out in the 52^nd minute, the home side gained a foothold in the Munster 22.  From a resulting lineout which was well re-cycled by the Connacht pack, Parks stood back in the pocket and dropped a goal to reduce the deficit further to 12-16.  The game was now really in the melting pot with the vociferous home crowd doing their utmost to drive their team to victory.

A further opportunity to reduce the deficit to the minimum was spurned in the 63^rd minute when Parks was wide from a penalty after James Downey was penalised and yellow carded for a high tackle on Connacht’s Mike McCarthy.  With Munster now a man down there was never a better opportunity for Connacht to drive home their advantage and gain a victory in this fixture which has alluded them on all bar one occasion in their past 38 meetings.

And their chance seemed to have arrived in the 69^th minute.  After a further Connacht penalty which they kicked to the corner, and after multiple phases from the resulting lineout, substitute Eoin Griffin chipped through and it looked like big lock George Naoupu had beaten Peter Stringer to the chase and touched down.  However, after consulting with the TMO, a decision of no try was given as Naoupu had failed to ground the ball when skidding along the slippery surface.  A major let off for Munster and another of those perennial hard luck decisions for Connacht.

However, there was still time for the home side to score the crucial try which would surely seal victory here.  And they had one further opportunity with a line out in the Munster 22 in the 77^th minute.  Unfortunately the line out was stolen by the away side who relieved the pressure once more.  And in the dying seconds, after a tap penalty and multiple drives around the fringes, Connacht were penalised for not releasing and Munster closed out the game.

Munster Coach Rob Penney will be happy to take the points from this fixture knowing that his side showed very little from an attacking point of view but the character shown by his young charges in trying circumstances was definitely a plus.  James Coughlan now looks to be fully back to match fitness and Sean Dougall also came off the bench to strengthen the back row options once more.  Mike Sherry’s all action display was also rewarded with the Man of the Match award and a successful night in the set piece with Munster winning 10 out of 11 of their own throws from line out ball. 

Connacht Coach Eric Elwood will be disappointed with the opportunities his side had to win the game in the second half and which were not taken.  I’m sure it will feel like 4 points lost to him as opposed to 1 point gained.  However, in a season where some heavy hitters have fallen at the Sportsground to date, he will hope that with a little more luck, Connacht can continue to make strides forward for the remainder of the season.

Munster now leap frog Leinster in to 3^rd place in the play off positions in the Rabo Pro12 before welcoming top of the table Ulster to Thomond Park next weekend.  Connacht remain in 10^th place and will travel to Dublin to face Leinster with memories of their emphatic victory over the men in blue from earlier in the season firmly in their minds.

Man of the Match: Mike Sherry (Munster)

Teams and Scorers:

Munster: D. Hurley, J. Murphy, C. Laulala, J. Downey (D. Barnes 74 mins), L. O’Dea (JJ Hanrahan 75 mins), I. Keatley (3 pens, 1 con), P. Stringer, D. Kilcoyne (W. Du Preez 69 mins), M. Sherry, S. Archer (BJ Botha 69 mins), Donncha O’Callaghan, B. Holland, P. Butler, T. O’Donnell, J. Coughlan (c)(S. Dougall 67 mins)  Replacements: S. Henry, W. Du Preez, BJ Botha, D. Foley, S. Dougall, D. Williams, JJ Hanrahan, D. Barnes

Glasgow: R. Henshaw, T. O’Halloran (M. Jarvis 25 mins), D. Poolman, D. McSharry, F. Vainikolo (E. Griffin 67 mins), D. Parks (1 pen, Wight 49 mins), K. Marmion (P. O’Donohoe 67 mins), B. Wilkinson (D. Buckley 46 mins), J. Harris-Wright (E. Reynecke 66 mins), N. White (R. Loughney 18 mins), G. Naoupu, M. McCarthy, A. Browne (M. Swift 50 mins), J. O’Connor (E. Grace 72 mins), E. McKeon  Replacements: E. Reynecke, D. Buckley, R. Loughney, M. Swift, E. Grace, P. O’Donohoe, M. Jarvis, E. Griffin 

Referee: Dudley Phillips (IRFU)

 

Paidi O'Se

What are your favourite memories of the legendary Paidi O'Se? And what was his greatest achievement? The 8 All Ireland medals? Conceding one point in 10 All Ireland Finals played? Managing Kerry to their first All Ireland in 11 years? Or managing Westmeath to their first Leinster title?

Kilcormac/Killoughey join select band of clubs to follow maiden county success with provincial honours

15 December 2012

“We’re taking this match very seriously.  We’re now training twice a week and some of the lads have been off the beer since Tuesday!”  These were the immortal words of Offaly’s Johnny Pilkington as he and his teammates prepared for one of their All Ireland final appearances in the 1990’s.  It was a glorious period in the history of Offaly hurling with the dramatic All Ireland victories of 1994 and 1998 doubling their previous victories of 1981 and 1985.

Offaly hurling has been in the doldrums at inter county level since those heady days but the club scene there has still remained strong with Birr the driving force winning All Ireland Senior Club titles in the 1994/95, 1997/98, 2001/02 and 2002/03 seasons.  After dominance by Kilkenny powerhouses James Stephens, O’Loughlin Gaels and Ballyhale Shamrocks in recent years, Offaly club hurling has now resurrected itself once more with Coolderry’s Leinster Club Championship success in 2011 before falling to Antrim’s Loughgiel Shamrocks in the St. Patricks day decider earlier this year. 

And now Kilcormac/Killoughey have made history by becoming Offaly Senior Hurling champions for the first time in October of this year and then marching their way to the Leinster Senior Club Hurling Championship final where they defeated hot favourites Oulart-the-Ballagh of Wexford on Sunday last.  A fantastic achievement for a rural club and once more emphasising how special the GAA is to such communities.

Victorious Kilcormac/Killoughey players celebrate their historic victory over Oulart-the-Ballagh

 

But are Kilcormac/Killoughey unique in becoming county champions for the first time and then proceeding to become provincial kingpins?  The answer is no but they join a select band of club sides which have managed this accolade in both Gaelic Football and Hurling.  The other sides are as follows:

Carrick Davins (Tipperary)                1966

Carrick Davins of Carrick-on-Suir won their first Tipperary Senior Hurling Club title in 1966 by defeating Lorrha in the decider on a scoreline of 2-12 to 1-02.  The club was named in honour of Maurice Davin who was the first President of the GAA and who lived near the town.  The success continued when they defeated Ballygunner of Waterford in the Munster Club Hurling decider later that year on a scoreline of 2-17 to 1-11.  The All Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship was not founded until 1971 so Carrick Davins did not get to participate in an All Ireland series.  The clubs most famous player was Mick Roche who had won a second All Ireland medal with Tipperary when they had defeated Wexford earlier that year. 

Ballyhale Shamrocks (Kilkenny)       1978

Ballyhale Shamrocks won their first Kilkenny Senior Hurling Club title in 1978 by defeating The Fenians in the decider on a scoreline of 0-15 to 0-10.  It was an historic achievement as the club had only joined the senior grade four years previously.  The success continued when they defeated Crumlin of Dublin in the Leinster Club Hurling decider later that year on a scoreline of 1-13 to 1-6.  However, there was to be no fairytale ending with Ballyhale defeated by a Ray Cummins inspired Blackrock side from Cork in the All Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship decider in March 1979 on a scoreline of 5-7 to 5-5. 

Cushendall (Antrim)                          1981

Ruairi Og, Cushendall won their first Antrim Senior Hurling Club title in 1981 by defeating McQuillans of Ballycastle in the decider.  They had an emphatic win over Portaferry of Down in the Ulster Club Hurling decider later that year on a scoreline of 4-17 to 0-9.  However, they were defeated at the semi final stage of the All Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship, James Stephens of Kilkenny going on to be victorious. 

St Martins (Kilkenny)                        1985

St. Martins won their first and only Kilkenny Senior Hurling Club title in 1984 by defeating Ballyhale Shamrocks in the decider on a scoreline of 1-14 to 1-7.  Captain Johnny Brennan had the honour of lifting the Tom Walsh Cup and he went one step further when lifting the O’Neill Cup after their defeat of Kinnitty of Offaly in the Leinster Club Hurling decider later that year on a scoreline of 2-11 to 0-12.  And the perfect season was rounded off when they defeated Castlegar of Galway after a replay in the All Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship decider in March 1985 on a scoreline of 1-13 to 1-10.

Ballybrown (Limerick)                       1989

Ballybrown won their first Limerick Senior Hurling Club title in 1989 and in turn lifted the John Daly Cup by defeating Doon in the decider on a scoreline of 4-10 to 2-09.  The success continued when they defeated Sixmilebridge of Clare in the Munster Club Hurling decider later that year on a scoreline of 2-11 to 1-8.  However, there was to be no fairytale ending with Ballybrown defeated by Ballyhale Shamrocks from Kilkenny in the All Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship decider in March 1990 on a scoreline of 1-16 to 0-16. 

Dunloy (Antrim)                                1990

Cuchullians, Dunloy won their maiden Antrim Senior Hurling Club title in 1990 by defeating O’Donovan Rossa of Belfast in the decider.  They then proved far too strong for Ballygalget of Down in the Ulster Club Hurling decider later that year on a scoreline of 0-17 to 2-4.  However, they were defeated at the semi final stage of the All Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship, Glenmore of Kilkenny going on to be victorious.  Their team included Gary O’Kane who was part of the Antrim side which reached the All Ireland Senior Hurling Final of 1989 but which was defeated by Tipperary.

Cashel King Cormacs (Tipperary)     1991

Cashel King Cormacs won their one and only Tipperary Senior Hurling Club title in 1991 and in turn lifted the Dan Breen Cup by defeating Holycross-Ballycahill in the decider on a scoreline of 2-08 to 1-05.  The success continued when they defeated Midleton of Cork in the Munster Club Hurling decider later that year in a low scoring encounter on a scoreline of 0-09 to 0-6.  However, they were defeated at the semi final stage of the All Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship, Kiltormer of Galway going on to be victorious.  Their most famous players were the Bonner brothers Conal, Colm and Cormac who backboned the Tipperary senior team during the late 80’s and early 90’s.

Wolfe Tones (Clare)                           1996

Wolfe Tones of Shannon won the first of their two Clare Senior Hurling Club titles in 1996 by defeating Clarecastle in the decider on a scoreline of 1-11 to 1-08.  The success continued when they defeated Ballygunner of Waterford after a titanic struggle in the Munster Club Hurling decider later that year on a scoreline of 4-09 to 4-08.  However, their dreams were dashed when they were defeated by Athenry of Galway in the All Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship decider in March 1997 on a scoreline of 0-14 to 1-08. Their most famous players were the Lohan brothers Brian and Frank who manned the fullback line of the Clare senior team during their All Ireland successes of 1995 and 1997.

Na Piarsaigh (Limerick)                     2011

Na Piarsaigh won their one and only Limerick Senior Hurling Club title to date in 2011 and in turn lifted the John Daly Cup by defeating Ahane in the decider on a scoreline of 2-18 to 0-13.  The success continued when they defeated Crusheen of Clare after a replay in the Munster Club Hurling decider later that year on a scoreline of 1-13 to 0-09.  However, they were defeated at the semi final stage of the All Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship, Loughgiel Shamrocks of Antrim going on to be victorious.  Their most well known players are David Breen, Shane Dowling and Kevin Downes who spearheaded the Limerick Senior teams Munster Championship campaign in 2012.

Tommy Larkins, Galway 1971, Sarsfields, Galway 1980, Killimordaly, Galway, 1986, Athenry, Galway 1987, Clarinbridge, Galway 2001, Portumna, Galway 2003 and St. Thomas’, Galway 2012

All of the above clubs won the Galway Senior Club Hurling Championship for the first time in these years and as Galway clubs automatically qualified for the Connacht Senior Club Hurling Championship final, a competition that has now been disbanded since the 2007/08 season, they would have won the Connacht Club Hurling titles also in those years.  Athenry went on to contest the All Ireland club final of 1987/88 but were defeated by Midleton of Cork by 3-08 to 0-09.  Clarinbridge went on to contest the All Ireland club final of 2001/02 but were defeated by Birr of Offaly by 2-10 to 1-05.  St Thomas’ now fly the flag for Galway and Connacht hurling in the All Ireland series in February 2013.

Nemo Rangers (Cork)                       1972

The famous Nemo Rangers club from Cork City won the first of their record 18 Cork Senior Football Club titles in 1972 when they defeated UCC in the decider on a scoreline of 2-09 to 0-08.  The success in 1972 continued when they defeated Doonbeg of Clare in the Munster Club Football decider later that year.  And the perfect season was rounded off when they went on to capture the All Ireland Senior Club Football Championship title.  The most notable members of this famous club over the years were Billy Morgan, Dinny Allen, Jimmy Kerrigan, Shea Fahy, Stephen O’Brien, Colin Corkery and Joe Kavanagh.

Knockmore (Mayo)                           1973

The Knockmore club won the first of their eight Mayo Senior Football Club titles in 1973 when they defeated Garrymore in the decider on a scoreline of 3-13 to 2-11.  The success in 1973 continued when they defeated Ballinamore of Leitrim in the Connacht Club Football decider later that year on a scoreline of 4-10 to 0-08.  However, they were defeated in the latter stages of the All Ireland Senior Club Football Championship, UCD of Dublin going on to be victorious. 

Killererin (Galway)                             1976

The Killererin club of Tuam won the first of their six Galway Senior Football Club titles in 1976 when they defeated Mountbellow in the decider on a scoreline of 2-05 to 1-04.  The success in 1976 continued when they defeated Garrymore of Mayo in the Connacht Club Football decider later that year on a scoreline of 3-08 to 0-05.  However, they were defeated in the latter stages of the All Ireland Senior Club Football Championship, Austin Stacks of Kerry going on to be victorious.  The most notable members of this club over the years were Billy Joyce and his now retired nephew Padraig Joyce.

St. Mary’s (Sligo)                               1977

The St. Mary’s club in Sligo town won the first of its ten Sligo Senior Football Club titles in 1977 when they defeated St. Patrick’s, Dromard in the decider on a scoreline of 1-08 to 0-05.  The success in 1977 continued when they defeated Corofin of Galway in the Connacht Club Football decider later that year on a scoreline of 4-06 to 1-09.  However, they were defeated in the latter stages of the All Ireland Senior Club Football Championship, Thomond College of Limerick going on to be victorious. 

Thomond College (Limerick)          1977

Thomond College won the first of their two Limerick Senior Football Club titles in 1977 when they defeated Croom in the decider.  The success in 1977 continued when they defeated Nemo Rangers of Cork in the Munster Club Football decider later that year.  And the perfect season was rounded off when they went on to capture the All Ireland Senior Club Football Championship title.  The most famous member of the team was Pat Spillane from Kerry who went on to achieve so much success with the great Kerry team of the late 70’s and early 80’s.

Castlehaven (Cork)                         1989

The West Cork club of Castlehaven won their first Cork Senior Football Club title in 1989 when they defeated St. Finbarr’s in the decider on a scoreline of 0-09 to 0-07.  The success in 1989 continued when they defeated St. Senan’s, Kilkee of Clare in the Munster Club Football decider later that year.  However, they were defeated in the latter stages of the All Ireland Senior Club Football Championship, surprise packets Baltinglass of Wicklow going on to be victorious.  The most notable members of this club over the years were Niall Cahalane, Larry Tompkins and John Cleary.

Salthill/Knocknacarra (Galway)  1990

The Salthill/Knocknacarra club won the first of their three Galway Senior Football Club titles in 1990 when they defeated Corofin.  The success in 1990 continued when they defeated Sean O’Heslin’s of Leitrim in the Connacht Club Football decider later that year on a scoreline of 0-11 to 0-05.  However, they were defeated in the latter stages of the All Ireland Senior Club Football Championship, Lavey of Derry going on to be victorious.  The most notable members of the club over the years are Liam Sammon, Michael Donnellan, Alan Kerins and Sean Armstrong.

O’Donovan Rossa (Cork)              1992

The O’Donovan Rossa club of Skibbereen won their one and only Cork Senior Football Club title in 1992 when they defeated powerhouses Nemo Rangers in the decider on a scoreline of 2-09 to 0-10.  The success in 1992 continued when they defeated St. Senan’s, Kilkee of Clare in the Munster Club Football decider later that year.  And the fairytale was complete when they defeated Eire Og of Carlow in the All Ireland Senior Club Football Championship decider in March 1993. The most notable members of this club were Tony and Don Davis and Michael McCarthy.

Errigal Ciaran (Tyrone)                 1993

Errigal Ciaran in Ballygawley, Co. Tyrone won the first of their Tyrone Senior Football Club titles to date in 1993 when they defeated Moortown St. Malachy’s in the decider.  The success in 1993 continued when they defeated Downpatrick of Down in the Ulster Club Football decider later that year.  However, they were defeated at the semi final stage of the All Ireland Senior Club Football Championship, Nemo Rangers of Cork going on to be victorious.  Their most famous players are Peter and Pascal Canavan, Enda McGinley, Davy Harte and John Devine.

St. Brigid’s (Dublin)                      2003

St. Brigid’s GAA Club in Castleknock won the first of their two Dublin Senior Football Club titles to date in 2003 and repeated the feat in 2011.  The success in 2003 continued when they defeated Round Towers of Kildare in the Leinster Club Football decider later that year on a scoreline of 3-11 to 1-10.  However, they were defeated at the semi final stage of the All Ireland Senior Club Football Championship, Caltra of Galway going on to be victorious.  Their most famous players were Peadar Andrews and Barry Cahill, who won an All Star Award in 2007.

Caltra (Galway)                            2003

The Caltra club won their one and only Galway Senior Football Club title in 2003 when they defeated Killererin in the decider on a scoreline of 3-11 to 0-05.  The success in 2003 continued when they defeated Curry of Sligo in the Connacht Club Football decider later that year on a scoreline of 1-06 to 0-06.  And their dreams were realised when they defeated An Ghaeltacht of Kerry in the All Ireland Senior Club Football Championship decider in March 2004.  

After their Leinster Final success the stewards had a job to get the Kilcormac/Killoughey players up to accept the cup such was the good time that the players were having celebrating with their followers out on the field.  Eventually they came up, and when captain Ciaran Slevin held aloft the cup, their Rock Me Like A Wagon Wheel anthem got a brief airing.

What odds of another rendition next March in Croke Park if Ciaran Slevin were to lift the Tommy Moore Cup?

 

Currow a critical cog to Munster and Ireland success

Currow a critical cog to Munster and Ireland success  

You often hear pundits talk about rugby nurseries and in particular the hotbeds of Irish rugby.  Is it just a rugby term?  To the untrained eye the mention of the word nursery creates an image of bedding plants and hanging baskets or else a room full of over active and ultra hyper 3 year olds! Can’t imagine any hardcore GAA folk describe their local club, the heartbeat of every village and town, as a nursery for the county team.

Take Limerick for example.  Munster and Ireland legend Paul O’Connell is a graduate of the famed Ard Scoil Ris nursery on the North Circular Road, Limerick.  Donncha Ryan, Keith Earls and Jerry Flannery are graduates of their fierce rivals St. Munchins College.  Take Ronan O’Gara and Peter Stringer in Cork.  Both are graduates of Presentation Brothers College who lead the way as 28 times winners of the famed Munster Schools Senior Cup competition along with city rivals Christians.  And add in Rockwell College, conquerors of all before them in the 1970’s and winners of the last two titles in 2011 and 2012.

But what about those who may not have attended such traditional rugby nurseries yet have gone on to represent their school, club, province and country with distinction.  Stand up and take a bow the parish of Currow in Co. Kerry.  In a county famed for its Gaelic Football tradition, this parish is unique in terms of its contribution to Munster and Irish rugby over the years.  The late great Con Houlihan once said that he was undecided as to whether Currow was actually a village or a hamlet but he considered it as his “own favourite little village” in Ireland.  But whatever was in the water there they have produced such greats of the game as Mick Doyle, Moss Keane, and Mick Galwey and now J.J. Hanrahan is carrying the mantle.

Mick Doyle

Mick Doyle, or Doyler as he was affectionately known, won 20 consecutive caps for Ireland between 1965 and 1968 and had the distinction of never being dropped during his Ireland career.  He made a try scoring debut against France at Landsdowne Road in January 1965 and played his last test against Australia, again at Landsdowne Road, in October 1968 appearing alongside his brother Tommy.

He began his playing career while attending Newbridge College and continued it with Garryowen, Blackrock College, UCD, Cambridge University (while studying to become a vet) and Edinburgh Wanderers.  The pinnacle of his career came when he was selected to tour with the British & Irish Lions in 1968 when they toured South Africa where he won his one and only cap.

When his playing career was over he went in to management and guided Leinster to inter provincial honours for 5 successive seasons between 1979 and 1983.  This success brought him to the attention of the IRFU and in 1984 he took over the Irish National team from Willie John McBride and led them to Triple Crown and Five Nations Championship success in 1985.  His side played an attacking style of rugby which the country had never previously attempted but which he openly encouraged.  His mantra of “give it a lash” suited the talents perfectly of a gifted set of backs such as Trevor Ringland, Hugo McNeill, Keith Crossan and Paul Dean.

He went on to coach Ireland at the inaugural Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in 1987 but unfortunately on that trip he suffered a heart attack which effectively brought an end to his coaching career.

Outside of rugby he continued his full time job as a vet and he also became a respected and hard hitting journalist with the Evening Herald and Sunday Independent newspapers and also on RTE Radio One.   

Former international winger Trevor Ringland best summed up the qualities of Mick Doyle when he said he was a “man of great character” and “He was a motivator. He fired players up.  He was inspirational”.

Moss Keane

Moss Keane won 51 caps for Ireland between 1974 and 1984 scoring his only test try in a 5 Nations Championship victory over Scotland in February 1980.  He made his debut against France in Paris in January 1974 and unfortunately bowed out on a losing note against Scotland at Landsdowne Road in March 1984.

He began his rugby playing career while attending UCC, playing during a period when the GAA had a ban on the playing of foreign games, and continued it with Landsdowne, Munster, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions.  He was part of the famed Munster side that defeated the touring All Blacks in Thomond Park in October 1978.  He also won the 5 Nations Championship with Ireland in his debut season in 1974 and was also part of the historic 5 Nations and Triple Crown winners of 1982.  He was also selected to tour with Phil Bennett’s British & Irish Lions side to New Zealand in 1977 where he made his one and only Lions appearance.

Prior to concentrating full time on his rugby career Moss was also a very accomplished Gaelic footballer.  He played for UCC on 3 Sigerson Cup winning teams and also won 1 Cork County Championship and 1 Munster Club Championship with the student side.  He also played for the Kerry U’21 and Junior sides at full back winning Munster Championship titles with both.

He obtained a Masters Degree in Dairy Science while studying in UCC and when his playing career was over he continued with his full time job with the Dept. of Agriculture.

Fellow UCC, Munster and Ireland colleague Donal Lenihan best summed up the qualities of Moss Keane when he said he was “mad, mischievous, marauding and magnificant”.  Former Taoiseach Brian Cowen also described him as “among rugby’s best known characters and a legend of the game at home and abroad”.

And to sum up the man himself, he demonstrated his deep affection for his own county of Kerry when he said while on tour with the Lions in 1977 that the highlight of the tour was when he heard that Kerry had beaten Cork in that year’s Munster Final!

Mick Galwey

Mick Galwey, or Gaillaimh as he was better known, is best remembered as the leader of the Munster team that caught the imagination of Irish rugby public in the early noughties and who came agonisingly close to Heineken Cup success in 2000 and 2002.

He started out his rugby playing career with Shannon in the All Ireland League and was part of the historic side that captured 4 A.I.L. titles in a row in the late 1990’s.  He made 113 appearances for Shannon in total and scored an impressive 28 tries.  He won 6 A.I.L. titles in total along with an historic 10 Munster Senior Cup titles.

After graduating to the Munster set up, he made 130 appearances for them in total, captaining them on 85 occasions.  Although he wasn’t fortunate enough to captain Munster to their maiden Heineken Cup win, he did skipper the side to the Celtic League title in 2003 prior to his retirement.

His Ireland career was rarely without controversy and this owed often to the baffling selection decisions of various national coaches and selectors during this period.  He obtained the unwanted title of “being the most dropped payer in international history” after being dropped 15 times during his 11 year international career.  He won 41 caps for Ireland in total between 1991 and 2002.  He made his debut against France in the 5 Nations Championship in 1991 and after several knock backs over the years, owing to his impressive performances and leadership with Munster, he fought his way back in to the side and officially captained Ireland for the one and only time against Romania in 2001. He scored two tries in his Ireland career, both against England, the most famous of them being in the 17-3 defeat of the English in the 1993 5 Nations Championship at Landsdowne Road.  He was also selected to tour with the British and Irish Lions to New Zealand later that year in 1993.

Prior to concentrating full time on his rugby career with Shannon and Munster, Mick was an All Ireland medal winner with Kerry in their victory over Tyrone in the 1986 all Ireland Football Final as a 19 year old.  He had played in the victory over Meath in the semi final that year.  He won a Munster Under 21 title with Kerry in 1987 but lost the All Ireland final to Donegal that year.  He made his second and final appearance for the senior side in the opening round of the 1989 Munster championship against Limerick in a game which they won and which he had also the distinction of being captain.  He won the Kerry County Junior Championship with Currow in 1988 when they defeated Rathmore and he was also part of the St Kieran’s divisional side which also captured the Kerry County Senior Football Championship that year.

When his rugby playing career was over he went in to management and guided Shannon to two further All Ireland League titles and also to two further Munster Senior Cups.

When Munster finally reached the Holy Grail and captured the Heineken Cup title against Biarritz in Cardiff in 2006, the players dedicated the victory to those who had tried so hard without ever reaching the pinnacle.  Mick Galwey was the first name mentioned.

J.J. Hanrahan

J.J. Hanrahan is the youngest player in the Munster squad for the 2012/13 season and after completing two years with the Munster Rugby Academy he has now received a development contract for the season ahead.

He has represented Ireland at schools and Under 20’s at international level and in June of this year he was a standout member at outhalf for the Ireland Under 20’s side that finished 5^th in Junior World Cup in South Africa.  His impressive performances there led to a nomination for the international Junior Player of the Year.

He first played for the Munster senior side against La Rochelle in the opening pre-season game in August 2012, and made his RaboDirect PRO12 debut against Newport Gwent Dragons in Thomond Park in September 2012.  After a cameo appearance against Edinburgh in Thomond Park in the Heineken Cup he burst on to the scene with his two try salvo against Zebre in the following RaboDirect Pro12 game.  He was selected at inside centre by coach Rob Penney and his tries owed much to his footballing ability and an inate poacher’s instinct.  He will be hoping for many more opportunities when Munster’s international contingent are away on Six Nations duty when it rolls around in February 2013.

 

Looney plays the tune as Dr Crokes retain Munster crown with emphatic win

02-12-2012

Looney plays the tune as Dr Crokes retain Munster crown with emphatic win  

Dr Crokes            0-19

Castlehaven       0-12

The victorious Dr Crokes captain Kieran O'Leary after their emphatic win over Castlehaven

Dr Crokes Brian Looney is fast becoming accustomed to winning major awards after another Man of the Match performance in Dr Crokes comprehensive win over Cork representatives Castlehaven in the 2012 AIB Munster Club Senior Football Championship Final.

In perfect playing conditions and in front of a healthy crowd at Pairc Ui Chaoimh, the Dr Crokes wing forward scored seven points in total, five scored from distance with his trusted right foot along with a converted 45 and fisted score added in for good measure. He was ably assisted by fellow wing forward Kieran O’Leary who was a menace every time he got on the ball and midfielder Johnny Buckley who dominated the midfield area in large parts and scored two points in to the bargain.

The movement of the Killarney sides sextet of forwards in the opening half was a joy to behold and the West Cork men really struggled to keep tabs on them during this period.  The biggest complement to the Crokes was that Colm Cooper was just an efficient cog in the wheel, spraying balls around for his colleagues to feed off and chipping in with the odd score himself.  Credit must go to Castlehaven however who never threw in the towel.  Centre back Damian Cahalane drove his team forward at every opportunity and if anything could be deemed guilty of maybe trying too hard at times.  Full Forward Brian Hurley also worked tirelessly and caused Dr Crokes full back Mike Moloney many problems, particularly in the first half, while centre forward Mark Collins could not be faulted with his six point contribution.

Dr Crokes hit the ground running and after Buckley had fed Daithi Casey from the throw in, the centre forward swung the ball over to set the tone for the first half.  Further quick scores followed from Buckley himself and a double by Cooper to give the Killarney men a four point lead by the 8^th minute.  It could have been worse for the Cork men when an exquisite cross field ball by Cooper was fetched by Doolin but somehow he managed to drill the ball wide with the goal at his mercy.

The impressive Cahalane opened Castlehaven’s account in the 10^th minute with a booming point from play but this was cancelled out immediately by O’Leary’s first score of the game.  Mark Collins once more responded with a converted free but Dr Crokes reply was swift with three further points from play by Looney(2) and corner forward Chris Brady to give them an 8-2 advantage by the 20^th minute.

Dr Crokes lost Eoin Brosnan to injury at this juncture but his replacement Shane Doolan proved a more than capable deputy.  After Mark Collins converted a further free, O’Leary, corner forward Jamie Doolin and Looney again from a 45 added further scores to stretch the Crokes lead to 11-3.  Looney’s 45 was as a result of an excellent point blank save by Castlehaven keeper Paudie Hurley to deny Fionn Fitzgerald.   To emphasise how impressive the Crokes forward play was, Doolin’s score meant that all six forwards had scored from play by the 30^th minute.  Cahalane kicked over a 45 for Castlehaven in injury time to leave Dr Crokes leading at the break by 11-4.   

Castlehaven would need to come out with all guns blazing at the start of the second half in order to edge their way back in to the game but instead it was Cooper who extended the Crokes lead within two minutes of the restart from a free.  Midfielder Sean Dineen responded with a long range point from play for Castlehaven but Looney replied in kind once more for the Crokes.

And the game should well and truly have been put to bed by Dr Crokes in the 36^th minute when after a sweeping move down the field, midfielder Ambrose O’Donovan took the final pass from Cooper but his goalbound effort somehow came back off the upright.  Castlehaven responded from this let off with a further point from play by centre forward Collins.

However, any notions that Castlehaven had of now starting a comeback were wiped out in the 40^th minute when midfielder Sean Dineen received a second yellow card for a high tackle around the neck of Cooper.  Dr Crokes added salt to the wounds with points from play by O’Leary, Looney (2) and score of the match after another storming run from Buckley from midfield, and finally Looney again to extend the Crokes lead to 18-7.  The variety of the scores by Crokes at this juncture was most impressive with their four fisted points a standout feature.

With the game now over Dr Crokes were happy to play out time but credit to Castlehaven who battled away to the end.  Wing forward Sean Cahalane was unfortunate with a clear cut goal chance in the 55^th minute which he blasted over.  After a further Doolin point from play, substitute David Burns from play and two pointed frees from centre forward Collins in injury time left Dr Crokes victorious at the final whistle on a scoreline of 19-12.

Dr Crokes now advance to a quarter final meeting in the All Ireland Club Championship with Tir Chonaill Gaels in London in two weeks time. Assuming they get over that hurdle all eyes will then be focused in the new year on another joust with fellow black and amber giants Crossmaglen Rangers.  For Castlehaven they will be disappointed with their overall performance but will appreciate that they came up against a side with their sights set on bigger prizes.  They should be content enough when they look back however at their first county title in nine years.

 Man of the Match: Brian Looney, Dr Crokes

Teams and Scorers:

Dr Crokes: D. Moloney, J. Payne, M. Moloney, F. Fitzgerald, L. Quinn, E. Brosnan, S. Myers, A. O’Donovan, J. Buckley (2 pts), Kieran O’Leary (c)(3 pts), Daithi Casey (1 pt), Brian Looney (7 pts, 1 45), Chris Brady (1 pt), C. Cooper (3 pts, 2 frees), Jamie Doolin (2pts)

Replacements: A. O’Connell, S. Doolin (for E. Brosnan 21 mins), D. O’Leary (for S. Myers 46 mins), Gavin O’Shea (for C. Brady 44 mins), Andrew Kenneally (for J. Doolin 56 mins), B. Falvey, K. Ward ( for F. Fitzgerald 59 mins), J. Jones, C. Fitzgerald

Castlehaven: P. Hurley, D. Limrick (c), L. Collins, T. O’Leary, R. Whelton, D. Cahalane (2 pts, 1 45), C. Hayes, S. Dineen (1 pt), D. Hurley, S. Cahalane(1 pt), Mark Collins (6 pt, 4 frees), M. Cahalane, S. Nolan, B. Hurley (1 pt, 1 free), S. Hurley

Replacements: A. Seymour, A. Cahalane (for M. Cahalane 29 mins), D. Burns (1 pt)(for S. Hurley  50 mins), M. Dineen, S. Hurley, S. Collins, T. O’Donovan ( for D. Limrick h/t), O. Dennehy, D. Cahalane

Referee: Michael Meade (Limerick)

 

Stander strikes secure bonus point win for Munster

1^st December 2012

Munster              31

Glasgow                3

C.J. Stander races from his own 22 to touch down leaving Glasgow players in his wake

When C.J. Stander came off the bench in Musgrave Park last week in horrendous playing conditions, he stated afterwards that he did not feel the cold at the time as he was so excited at making his Munster debut.  If the young Springbok continues to produce performances like this he will be well on his way to becoming a firm fans favourite in the famous red jersey.

When struggling to adjust their game plan in the adverse weather conditions last week and against a dogged Scarlets side, one may have thought that coach Rob Penney would tweak the game plan a little this time around.  As the saying goes “you need to earn the right to go wide”.  However, true to his attacking philosophy which he has shown since taking over, his charges once more tried to get the ball wide at every opportunity. 

Munster welcomed back their international contingent of Keith Earls, Simon Zebo, Ronan O’Gara, Donncha Ryan, Donncha O’Callaghan and Dave Kilcoyne to the fold.  After stubborn resistance from Glasgow in the opening ten minutes or so, the home side took over from there until half time with Stander and the rampaging Tommy O’Donnell to the fore and had built up a game winning lead by the half time break.  The second half was all about Munster securing the much needed four try bonus point but credit to the away side who never threw in the towel either.

After Glasgow outhalf Duncan Weir had overcooked his kick off which went straight in to touch on the full, he made amends in the second minute when kicking the visitors in to the lead after Donncha Ryan had been penalised for not rolling away. 

The home side were continuing to play their offloading game but a series of knock ons etc were frustrating their efforts up to this point.  Persistence does pay off however and after a barnstorming run by O’Donnell from a Munster lineout, he was just help up short, the ball was recycled and Stander showed great improvisation to stretch over the mountain of bodies in the ruck and touch down.  O’Gara converted to give Munster a 7-3 lead.

The away side continued to try and punch holes in the home defence with the strength of winger Lamont very prominent and also the sniping runs of scrumhalf Prygos.  And they thought they had regained the lead in the 17^th minute when winger Van der Merwe touched down in the corner, but after consulting with the TMO, a decision of no try was given as a foot had been in touch before the ball was grounded.  The Warriors continued to put the ball through the hands and an attempted drop goal by Weir in 19^th minute was just right and wide.

These near misses seemed to shake the home side in to life.  And when an attempted kick over the top by O’Gara in the 23^rd minute was blocked down, Glasgow failed with their kick to touch, Munster countered and after a pass by Coughlan to O’Donnell, the Tipperary man handed off the challenge of Weir and sprinted under the posts.  Once again O’Gara converted to give the home side a 14-3 lead.

The Munster scrum which had struggled so badly against the Scarlets in the second half last week were having a lot better day at the office this time around.  Kilcoyne in particular was very prominent, with his opponent Cusack conceding two penalties at scrum time in the first thirty minutes.  And Cusack’s evening got worse in the 36^th minute when he was penalised for checking an O’Gara run from a chip over.  O’Gara converted once more to extend Munster’s lead to 17-3.

The game was now running away from Glasgow and unforced errors were starting to creep in to their game.  And one such error was to prove costly in the 38^th minute.  After spilling the ball in the Munster 22, the ball was picked up by Stander and after a great side step to create space he showed buckets of speed to outpace winger Van der Merwe to the corner and touch down.  Once again O’Gara converted expertly from the touchline and Munster had a 24-3 lead going in at the half time break.  

Munster started the second half pushing hard for the four try bonus point and they thought they had achieved it in the 46^th minute.  After a trademark cross field kick to the corner by O’Gara, the bouncing ball was fetched expertly by Mike Sherry and he barged his way to the corner.  However, similar to the Glasgow attempt in the first half, after consulting with the TMO, no try was allowed as he was deemed to have touched the line before grounding the ball.

Flanker O’Donnell was replaced by Paddy Butler in the 49^th minute and coach Rob Penney will hope that the injury is not too serious with the crucial double header against Saracens in the Heineken Cup coming up over the next two weekends.

The Munster set piece was now not as strong as it had been in the first half and they were starting to struggle for primary possession and for a foothold in the Glasgow half to push for the elusive bonus point.

However, it eventually came together for them in the 70^th minute when awarded a penalty which was kicked to the corner by O’Gara.  After the initial lineout maul was brought down, Munster went for the scrum, and after two re-sets, they eventually got the push on and when Glasgow illegally kicked the ball away, referee Ian Davies was left with no choice but to run under the posts and award Munster a penalty try.  O’Gara once more converted to extend Munster’s lead to 31-3.

Glasgow had one last opportunity to put a bit of respectability on the scoreline, but after a kick chase, the ball was carried in to touch by Earls and the final whistle was blown.

Coach Rob Penney will be happy with the bonus point return from this game and also the integration of the international contingent back in to the team before next weekend’s joust with Saracens at Thomond Park.  The injury to Tommy O’Donnell was unfortunate as, with Niall Ronan also injured, O’Donnell’s pace and explosiveness could be vital in next weekend’s clash.  CJ Stander also made a very strong case for inclusion and it was good to see James Coughlan make a welcome return from injury.  A fully fit trio of Stander, O’Donnell and Coughlan might give Munster a dynamism in the back row which they have lacked in the past couple of seasons. James Downey also continually made yardage with his bursts and offloads and his partnership with Keith Earls in the centre dovetailed well at times.  Mike Sherry also had a better night from lineout ball with Munster winning 10 out of 12 of their own throws before he was replaced by Damian Varley. 

Glasgow Head Coach Gregor Townsend will be disappointed that his team did not take more from this game considering some of scoring opportunities they created.  Along with Lamont and Prygos, they were also well served by the ever dangerous Stewart Hogg in the centre and hard working second row Swinson.

Munster now leap frog Glasgow in to the play off positions in the Rabo Pro12 before the Heineken Cup takes centre stage for the next two weekends.  Munster will hope to make home advantage count against the English champions while Glasgow will hope to do likewise when they welcome Castres to Firhill.

Man of the Match: C.J. Stander (Munster)

Teams and Scorers:

Munster: F. Jones (I. Keatley 59 mins), D. Howlett (c), K. Earls, J. Downey, S. Zebo (C. Lualala 65 mins), R. O’Gara (1 pen, 4 cons), D. Williams (P. Stringer 61 mins), D. Kilcoyne (W. Du Preez 65 mins), M. Sherry (D. Varley 52 mins), B.J. Botha (S. Archer 67 mins), Donncha O’Callaghan, D. Ryan (B. Holland 75 mins), C.J. Stander, T. O’Donnell (P. Butler 49 mins), J. Coughlan  Replacements: D. Varley, W. Du Preez, S. Archer, B. Holland, P. Butler, P. Stringer, I. Keatley, C. Lualala

Glasgow: Murchie, Lamont, Hogg, Horne, Van der Merwe (McGuigan 61 mins), Weir (1 pen, Wight 49 mins), Prygos (Matawalu 49 mins), Grant (Araoz 61 mins), Hall (MacArthur 55 mins), Cusack, Swinson (Eddie 65 mins), Kellock, Harley, Barclay, Wilson (Strauss 49 mins) Replacements: MacArthur, Araoz, Strauss, Eddie, Matawalu, Wight, McGuigan 

Refereee: Ian Davies (Welsh RFU)

Attendance: 8,791

 

Scarlets rain on Munster parade

25^th November 2012

Munster                6

Scarlets                13

CJ Stander attempts to keep warm in Munsters defeat to the Scarlets in a rain drenched Musgrave Park 

Munster coach Rob Penney will have witnessed horrendous playing conditions like this in his home country of New Zealand on many an occasion but what he will hope is that he doesn’t see more regularly  error strewn performances like this from his new Munster charges.  

In a game which started in heavy underfoot conditions with a strong crossfield wind, the weather had disintegrated greatly by the start of the second half, and by the end the players were very grateful to see the sanctuary of the dressing rooms and in particular the hot showers. 

To their credit the visitors adapted better to the inclement conditions and after reaching the half time break on level terms after playing against the strong wind, it gave them the injection of self belief to go on and dominate Munster in the second half, particularly at scrum time, and claim their first victory in Musgrave Park in eight attempts.

Both sides were shorn of their international contingent but it was the home side who took the game to their opponents from the off.  However, for the majority of the first quarter their dominance was let down by a series of knock ons when in very promising positions.  Both fullback Felix Jones and winger Luke O’Dea were very prominent during this period and looked to counter attack at every opportunity.

Munster got the scoreboard moving in the 23^rd minute when the Scarlets were penalised for coming in from the side and outhalf Keatley converted to give them a deserved but hard earned 3-0 lead.  This score seemed to shake the men from Wales in to life, and after their first period of extended pressure in the Munster 22, the home side were penalised for not rolling away.  Outhalf Aled Thomas made no mistake from the resultant penalty and the sides were level at 3-3.

Munster continued to dictate the play but the more they tried the more the error count continued to add up with knock ons, lost lineouts and a creaking scrum adding to their frustration. 

The unlucky Niall Ronan had to be stretched off in the 35^th minute after the Scarlets Jake Bell was over zealous in his clearing out of the ruck and it is now inevitable that the lock forward will be hauled before the disciplinary authorities for the challenge.  South African new recruit CJ Stander came on to replace Ronan in the Munster backrow.

And Stander almost made a dream start when, after multiple phases by the home side, he barged his way for the tryline but after consulting the video referee, a verdict of no try was given and the sides retreated to the dressing rooms all square.

 As the second half commenced the weather had taken a significant turn for the worse with the rain now sheating down and Munster having to face in to a howling wind.  A change of game plan would be required in order to grind out the required result here.

The Scarlets almost got the perfect start to the half when an attempted clearance by Munster full back Jones was blocked down by flanker Jonathon Edwards, but luckily for the home side the bouncing ball slid beyond the endline.

They did not have to wait long for a further opportunity however when Munster’s Wian Du Preez was penalised at scrum time in the 43^rd minute.  However, outhalf Thomas’ subsequent penalty was pushed wide and Munster were let off the hook.  With the Scarlets now dominating procession, Thomas had an attempted drop goal in the 54^th minute which went left and wide also.

In what was becoming a real war of attrition you felt at this stage that a try for either side would surely close out the game.  And the home side were handed a great opportunity in the 63^rd minute when awarded a 5 metre scrum after another great break by Jones and a kick on by Keatley which had the away defence scrambling frantically.  However, once more, the Scarlets were let off the hook when Munster were penalised for an early engagement at the scrum.

And the away side added salt to the wounds in the 66^th minute when they turned the screw once more at scrum time and Thomas converted the subsequent penalty off the left upright to give the Scarlets a 6-3 advantage.

The game was up for the home side in the 70^th minute when from a scrum in the Llanelli half, the ball was spilled in midfield by O’Dea, the away side fly hacked through, and the unfortunate Jones fumbled the proverbial bar of soap on two occasions and the ever alert winger Andy Denby touched down.  It would be the games match winning score and the 6^th try of a very productive Pro 12 season for Fenby so far.  Davies converted with aplomb to extend the Scarlets lead to 13-3.

Munster were making very little headway at this stage against the elements and also against a pack which was well on top in the scrum.  The Scarlets had two further opportunities to extend their lead in the 75^th and 79^th minutes for infringements by the Munster scrum but Davies was unlucky with the first attempt which went wide off the right hand upright and the second attempt which dropped short.

Munster had one last opportunity themselves to salvage a losing bonus point from the game.  After a good drive in to the opposition 22, the Scarlets were penalised for a hand in the ruck, and substitute JJ Hanrahan stood up and slotted the penalty with the final kick of the game.   

In a game of few positives for the home side, Felix Jones got through another 80 minutes unscathed on his way back to full fitness and showed flashes of his counter attacking brilliance on a number of occasions.  It was unfortunate that his fumbles led to the defining score of the game.  CJ Stander also impressed on his debut and was never shy of some hard graft even in the very difficult playing conditions. Mike Sherry had a better night from lineout ball with Munster winning 10 out of 13 of their own throws but their scrum was to let them down with 6 penalties conceded in 10 of their own put ins. 

Scarlets Head Coach Simon Easterby will be delighted with the effort of his charges particularly considering that they were missing 15 of their frontline players.  Outhalf Aled Davies, not withstanding his second half misses, was assured in his play, wing Andy Fenby continued his hot streak with his try and hooker Emyr Philips was very accurate in the lineout and also dominant in the scrum.

Scarlets remain in second place in the standings before their top of table clash with leaders Ulster next weekend.  For Munster, they have dropped out of the play off positions after being leap frogged by neighbours Leinster, but will have the chance to correct this in next weekend’s home game in Thomond Park with the Glasgow Warriors.

Man of the Match: Emyr Philips (Scarlets)

Teams and Scorers:

Munster: F. Jones, D. Howlett, C. Lualala, J. Downey, L. O’Dea, I. Keatley (1 pen), D. Williams, W. Du Preez, M. Sherry, S. Archer, I. Nagle, B. Holland, D. O’Callaghan, N. Ronan, P. Butler  Replacements: D. Varley, M. Horan, BJ. Botha, D. Foley, CJ Stander, P. Stringer, JJ Hanrahan (1 pen), D. Hurley

Scarlets: M. Stoddart, N. Reynolds, G. Maule, G. Owen, A. Fenby (1 try), A. Thomas (2 pens, 1 con), P. John, E. Philipps, J. Adriaanse, J. Bell, R. Kelly, G. Earle, J. Edwards, C. Price Replacements: K. Myhill, S. Hopkins, S. Lee, J. Snyman, D. Thomas, R. Williams, D. Newton, A. Warren