Donnacha Ryan was not coming off that pitch today with Racing 92’s scalp and, by hell, he took it.
The Munster lock was an inspiration for his team in Paris today as they crushed the reigning Top 14 champions 32-7 on their own turf.
Munster roared to the top of their Champions Cup pool and had the try-scoring bonus point secured as early as the 51st minute.
Ryan had another top performance as he made six strong carries, 13 successful tackles, won a turnover, stole a lineout and was part of a Munster pack that scrummaged and mauled well.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BO-OQ_WAcN1/?taken-by=sportsjoedotie
CJ Stander won the official man-of-the-match but Ryan, who pushed him close, forever won his way into the hearts of Munster supporters after the game.
As the victorious team went to the far stands to applaud the travelling Munster faithful, TV cameras picked up on Ryan silently humming along to Fields of Athenry.
Good on Donnacha Ryan – singing Fields of Athenry with the travelling @Munsterrugby fans pic.twitter.com/8ZEXrvPsYu
— Patrick McCarry (@patmccarry) January 7, 2017
He was feeling it this evening.
For many rugby fans watching the game at home, the moment was not lost on them.
Then the camera catches Donnacha Ryan singing The Fields with the supporters and I'm crying. #SUAF I'm SO proud of this team ❤❤
— Niamh ☕️ (@NiamhoNiamh) January 7, 2017
#MrAngry is the MGM Lion… pic.twitter.com/I2vNFWXgM2
— Ian Falconer🦒 (@IKFalconer) January 7, 2017
Donnacha Ryan singing the Fields under his breath. LOVE IT #R92vMUN
— Three Red Kings (@threeredkings) January 7, 2017
Said it before and I will say it again, Donnacha Ryan should start every game for club and country. Animal.
— Munster Haka (@MunsterHaka) January 7, 2017
Great win by @Munsterrugby. On what was obvously an emotional occasion, to a man they showed true professionalism. #R92vMUN #Munster #Axel8
— Shane O'Connor (@soc5781) January 7, 2017
There truly is a special bond between Munster and their supporters.
