Some bunch of men.
Munster are into the Champions Cup semi-finals after a superb victory over Toulon at Thomond Park. Having trailed 6-0 and 19-13 at different stages of a fierce contest, a stunning Andrew Conway try was converted by Ian Keatley to give Munster a 20-19 win.
Here’s how we rated Johann van Graan’s men in red:
Simon Zebo – 5
Needed to be on his toes to deny an early Chris Ashton try but got lucky with the ref’s decision [that he had not tried to deliberately bat the ball away]. Was injured in that collision and played on for 25 minutes but Munster wisely withdrew him as he was far from 100%.
Andrew Conway – 9
Scored one of the all-time great Munster tries in Europe to stun Toulon! Absolutely, absolutely, absolutely massive early tackle on Joshua Tuivosa to deny an all but certain try. Made another big tackle on Dave Attwood as the first half closed out. A couple of knock ons when hurtling after high balls but caused headaches all afternoon. Came close to a try before Murray used his noggin’ to get his side’s first score.
Sammy Arnold – 8
Forced a Chris Ashton knock-on and prevented a try, all in the one tackle. Made a huge tackle on Mathieu Bastareaud as he flung him to the deck. Same again after the break as another big tackle on Radrada saw Munster get possession back.
Rory Scannell – 8
Some big carries, right up the guts, and flung every ounce of himself into the game. Nice carry off a Marshall lineout fling. Dragged Ashton over the sidelines to win a turnover (lineout). Teamed up with Arnold to win a turnover midway through the second half.
Alex Wootton – 8
Pivotal, try-saving tackle on Semi Radrada after Conway was beaten out wide. Made a few aimless kicks upfield but was dangerous when he got a stretch of clear grass in front of him. Thought he was over for a score under the sticks but Nigel Owens called play back.
Ian Keatley – 8
Made a big defensive tackle on the sizeable Tuivosa in the early stages. Forced a knock-on from prop Florian Fresia. Nailed some big kicks too and is passing was crisp. Beauty of a kick in behind Belleau early in the second half.
Conor Murray – 9
What else can we say about this lad?! On the money again and his box-kicks were sharp all day. Had to make his share of tackles and did so very well. Was so, so sharp to spot the ball played, and dropped, on the Toulon line to bag a crucial try. Stole Toulon ball in the latter stages as their scrum was beck-pedalling.
Dave Kilcoyne – 7.5
Made 11 tackles in the first half alone. Got bounced back on a couple of carries but made a big one to drive Toulon back and win his side a penalty.
Rhys Marshall – 8
Found a flying Rory Scannell with a really smart, and deliberately overthrown, lineout. Was needed in defence as Toulon poured into Munster early on. Lovely feet to make yards on a second half carry.
Stephen Archer – 7
Found himself in one hell of a war. Made some big, bruising carries in his 55 minute shift.
Jean Kleyn – 7.5
15 first half tackles and every one of them crucial. Was vital in Munster defending their tryline when Toulon flung several kitchen sinks. Replaced by Grobler late on after emptying himself.
Billy Holland – 8
Had two briefs in the opening half – tackle Toulon players and hit rucks hard. Did both with gusto. Won praise from Peter O’Mahony for calling a shrewd lineout game.
Peter O’Mahony – 9
ANOTHER.
PETER.
O'.
MAHONY.
LINEOUT.
STEAL!— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) March 31, 2018
Early lineout steal had the Munster fans crowing. Stole another early in the second half and got a hand on two more and was giving nothing away clean.
Jack O’Donoghue – 8
His side really started to motor when O’Donoghue started to call bakll on himself and make carries. Won a massive turnover in the Munster 22 to relieve pressure, just before the break.
CJ Stander – 8
Loved it out there and wager war with a smile on his face. Was denied a try in the left-hand corner and was rightly upset with himself. 18 carries and 15 tackles. Standard, brilliant fare from the big guy.
Replacements
Darren Sweetnam (for Zebo ’25) – 8
Brought some spark when he entered the fray. Made a great kick-chase and tackle on Belleau. Made another vital tackle on Semi Radrada.
Niall Scannell (for Marshall ’55) – 8
Was part of THAT scrum that won a penalty, saw Thomond Park explode and put Munster 13-6 ahead.
James Cronin (for Kilcoyne ’55) – 8
See above.
John Ryan (for Archer ’55) – 8
See above above!
Robin Copeland (for O’Donoghue ’66) – 7
Gerbrandt Grobler (for Kleyn ’76) – N/A
James Hart (for Murray ’77) – N/A
