MUNSTER vs NORTHAMPTON SAINTS

"THE VIEW FROM THE SOFA"

Before the game began, Sky were billing this as a revenge match. A bit strongly worded I thought. A case of "How dare these young upstarts beat the men in red?"
 
A full house was reported and the commentary team not giving Saints much chance. Well be that as it may, underdogs suits me - favourites have a bigger responsibility and a lot to live up to.
 
So a juicy encounter was in store. The excitement was building nicely and I had one of the best seats in the house.
 
While the teams were warming up, we the viewers were treated to highlights of the opening fixture at Franklin's Gardens. I'd forgotten how noisy we'd been on that amazing occasion.
 
Mr Barnes from pitch-side told us that Saints needed to attack the Munster scrum. Munster, he said, were good at winning the small skirmishes.
 
Air Jim gave an interview before kick-off, saying that he was pleased that it was a game (for Saints) with everything to play for, and the boys needed to get on the front foot from the off. Also that we knew we have a good scrum. "...be interesting to see how far we've progressed."
 
Munster coach, Tony McGahan thinks that Saints are, "the real deal."
 
Apparently, Courtney Lawes has been in the Limerick newspapers for all the right reasons...word is out!
 
Before KO, a minute's silence was observed for the Haiti earthquake victims. The respect shown on occasions such as this fill me with pride to be a rugby supporter.
 
And so to the game...
 
A ferocious start saw Flash determined to nail his man-Alan Quinlan, which he did on more than one occasion. The big number 6 needed the attention of the team mechanics at one point. They targeted each other throughout the first half, but probably ended honours even at games' end.
 
Now I'm having trouble with knock-ons...At least 2 in the game were quite obvious to me, but “Sir” either didn't see them or thought differently.
 
It took Saints until the half hour mark to trouble the scoreboard, taking the score to 3-3.Having watched the game again, it seems that both teams were nervous, missing kicks at goal, to touch, kicking out on the full and turning ball over at the breakdown.
 
On 57 minutes,Munster again took the lead 9-6. From the restart, we saw Saints best spell of the game. Thomas O'Leary's clearance kick was charged down and gathered by Dylan Hartley...I think the speed at which it happened took the rest of his team by surprise! He thundered toward the line, Held Up! Scrum to Saints. Reset and Saints pick and drive. Ruck called and Sir blows his whistle .We thought he'd given a penalty to Munster, but instead he asked POC to enjoy the delights of the exercise bike for 10 mins. So, scrum again and it's another penalty to Saints. Ronan O'Gara has a chat to Sir and must have been close to joining his captain. Scrum set again, but a very determined Munster pack take the ball against the head and clear. [Ed’s note – ahem… darn!] The scrummy did drop it, but hey ho...Saints best chance of scoring a try had gone, the game ending 12 - 9. A fair reflection of a hard fought contest.
 
Jim was interviewed after the game and for me the best thing he said was that on another day, we'd have won that...
 
But the excitement wasn't over. The small matter of the London Irish/Leinster game to decide Saints fate. Another tense affair that had me and many others, I'm sure on the edge of the sofa.
 
On the whole, no complaints from here in Desbra - we survived Thomond Park - just - and have another chance to progress in the Heineken Cup.

What a weekend it was - and will be. Roll on April and another weekend surfing the sofa.

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