“For whatever reason, Thomond Park is a different place.”
Richard Cockerill was trying his best to stay upbeat after Leicester Tigers’ 38-0 defeat to Munster – a record European loss for the former champions.
The Tigers coach will be keen to get Munster back to Welford Road next weekend. His team are now in must-win territory but they will face a team that can’t lose. Munster won’t allow it.
Last season, Leicester came to Limerick and beat a beleaguered, listless Munster 31-19. They faced them in England eight days later and strolled to a 19-6 win.
This time out, they met a team that have looked like the Munster of old – dogged, dastardly, dangerous – and they copped a beating. Cockerill commented:
“It was pretty much the same team that played us last year – slightly different attitude from them than last year.
“There was a negative vibe around the place. For obvious, tragic reasons, they seem to be the Munster of old again. Credit to them, I’ve got no complaints, that was a great performance, great atmosphere and a great occasion.
“The stands are full, that’s where Munster rugby would always like to be I suppose.”
Asked to expand on that negative vibe comment, Cockerill explained how poor results can choke a team’s confidence pretty quickly. He added:
“For whatever reason, Thomond Park is a different place. If [that result] was in the memory of Anthony Foley then he would be a very proud man this evening.”
He certainly can be.
“For whatever reason, Thomond Park is a different place”@LeicesterTigers coach Richard Cockerill on @Munsterrugby‘s revival pic.twitter.com/Nix2U8D8tu
— SportsJOE.ie (@SportsJOEdotie) December 10, 2016
Cockerill bemoaned the loss of some of Leicester’s key players to injury but offered up few other excuses. Munster had the number and they had it all day. He said:
“It’s to’ed and fro’ed. Last year we beat them home and away. That’s sport. Today we came here and got our arses smacked good and proper. There’s no getting away from it.
“I’m not going to shy away from the fact, I watched the game as well as you guys and we got our arses smacked.
“When we go home, they go to Welford Road next week and we need to make sure we stick a stake in the ground and make sure the confrontation is met head on.”
Diarmuid Connolly makes his long overdue GAA Hour debut and talks to Colm Parkinson about everything from the black card to his rivalry with Lee Keegan and how he honed the ability to kick accurately with either foot.
