mens
United-rugby-championship
Munster player ratings: Smart from their loss to Leinster last weekend in Dublin, Munster faced a very different challenge against Sharks Limerick. Conditions were extremely miserable, with what Andy Goode described on the comms as “drenching rain” making life difficult for all involved.
Inevitably, the contest became riddled with spills, hits and scrappy passes. The Sharks adjusted much better, taking the chances that came their way, while Munster spent too many evenings looking at sixes and sevens as the visitors pulled off a deserved win.
15. Ben O’Connor – 6
Made a great start and looked one of Munster’s sharper players in the first quarter. He made some nice touches under pressure and was unfortunate when a mark attempt was followed by a penalty a few steps before contact. Busy all night despite the rough conditions.
14. Shay McCarthy – 5
One of those nights when circumstances worked for the winger. He lost the aerial battle with Jaco Williams and found precious little room to operate. Not helped by the weather or Munster’s inability to establish territory.
13. Gordon Wood – 5.5
The academic center showed flashes in his first start. Made a decent break early in the second half and generally looked comfortable with ball in hand. Defensively, however, there were lessons everywhere. He shot off the line and missed one move, while several others also slipped.
12. Alex Nankivell – 6
Busy and willing as ever, but conditions limited his influence. He tapped in after an unsympathetic pass from O’Donovan and was never able to impose himself on the Sharks’ physical midfield.
11. Rob Russell – 4
A tough debut for the former Leinster winger. He made a great shot from the early gate but struggled in second place. He was involved in a touch after a questionable pass from O’Donovan on his line, dropped another pass on the wing and couldn’t collect Wood’s offload after a sharp break. His return to professional rugby from the AIL proved bumpy.
10. JJ Hanrahan – 5.5
Opened with a brilliant touchfinder that immediately put the Sharks under pressure. Unfortunately, the game got away from him. Poor shooting decisions were punished throughout the first half and Lombard gradually outplayed him. Scored Munster’s only points before the substitution.
9. Ben O’Donovan – 4
A hugely talented young scrum-half, but this was a colorful display. A pass that put Russell under pressure near his own line looked completely unnecessary, while another blind ball to the winger later in the half also backfired. A miscommunication with Gleeson gave the Sharks momentum. He made one nice break late, but never really settled down.
1. Josh Wycherley – 5
His work rate never dropped, but he struggled to influence proceedings. On the losing side of the scrum battle.
2. Marnus van der Merwe – 6
Made the most of the conditions. Valuable at the breakdown and made a few turnovers. One of Munster’s most influential forwards.
3. Kieran Brookes – 5.5
He was up against Ox Nche, arguably the best underdog in world rugby, and in that context he acquitted himself reasonably well. He matched him early, battled through a hand injury and even won a penalty after the break. Eventually the tide turned, but there was a lot to like here.
4. Evan O’Connell – 5
He went through a mountain of unprecedented work and stuck to his task in the bruising competition. However, the pack of sharks was bigger and nastier.
5. Fineen Wycherley – 6
The lineout is generally solid and hard when opportunities arise. He tried to make traffic meters. The Sharks defense looked like a brick wall for most of the night.
6. Sean Edogbo – 6.5
A useful target in the lane and brought physical strength. One or two important interventions before you make your way.
7. Jack O’Donoghue – 6
One of Munster’s better performers. Carried hard in atrocious conditions, secured his line ball and never stopped working.
8. Brian Gleeson – 6.5
He led all players for careers and threw himself into everything. Made a big fight against Ethan Hooker before being awarded a penalty and generally accepting a trench fight. It’s still pretty fun to see him being driven backwards by Hendrikse at the base of the scrum. Too many mistakes though.
Substitutions – 5
Edwin Edogbo marked his comeback by taking down Mavesere in a strong defensive moment. Lee Barron added some welcome energy, while the introduction of Charlie O’Shea could probably have come sooner. Alaalatoa, however, endured a rough outing, taking a beating in the scrum and being penalized for rolling his neck.
