Munster Rugby remain top of Conference A after an emphatic bonus point try victory over a Isuzu Southern Kings who after a strong opening quarter were exposed in set piece and discipline. Hawkeye Sidekick reflects on the action.
Wet conditions poses early issues
The conditions at Irish Independent Park were challenging to say the least. The incessant blustery rainy conditions causing issues for both sides in the opening period. Munster Rugby had the elements at their backs in the first half but it was the Isuzu Southern Kings who started the better, ball carries on point and making good progress deep into Munster Rugby territory.
Munster Rugby though defensively were well organized and forced turnover ball at regular intervals which setup good territorial gains with the boot of Bleyendaal and Scannell. The opening try came on fourteen minutes, good phase play from Holland and Farrell setting the platform for Neil Cronin to crash over from close range.
Chris Farrell worryingly went down for medical treatment after the try and albeit the medics tried to strap up the thigh and knee areas, the decision was made to call the center ashore for an early bath. A big concern for province and national team ahead of some crucial games for both sides in the coming weeks. Johann van Graan stated that Farrell experienced pain to the inside of his knee; more to follow in the coming days.
Munster Rugby were struggling to quell the aggressive Kings defensive line speed and abrasive breakdown work in that opening period. Kings enjoying a couple of excellent moments dispossessing Munster players with the ball but the approach was borderline and after a number of infringements, Lerm was sin binned for a no arm tackle at the breakdown. It was a key call as Munster Rugby used the man advantage to build pressure and more points.
The breakdown work from the hosts improved in the closing stages of the half with Lerm in the bin and better recycling ball from the hosts saw Bleyendaal deliver a superb pass to Andrew Conway whose running line exposed the cover defense of the Kings. 12-0 at the break. Kings still in the contest but disciplinary issues were rearing their head with the visitors.
One way traffic in second half
The second half should have seen the Isuzu Southern Kings look to create with the elements at their back but Munster Rugby tightened up their breakdown and attacking play in the third quarter and put this fixture to bed.
The third try arrived on fifty-nine minutes. Conway was the class act in the back line exchanges tonight and his deft chip in behind caused massive Kings’ defensive issues. Mathewson was taken out but Sweetnam was supporting to touchdown. It signaled the end of the contest.
The bonus point try was not long in coming as Kings’ defensive line speed started to wane at an alarming rate of knots. Mathewson with his speed of pass from the ruck allowing Bleyendaal the time and space to unleash his runners. Scannell at center produced a key gain line break with additional ball carries from the Munster Rugby pack to setup Billy Holland to score.
All goes a bit Pete Tong for the Kings
With this score, the Kings discipline completely went out the window. Late hits and dangerous tackles the order of the day. The fifth try arriving on 67 minutes where more penalty concessions leading to the five meter scrum. Munster Rugby pack did the rest with the line out and maul.
The rest of the game was pretty exhibition stuff. Kings were restricted in their attacking play and they switched off in their defensive duties. Jean Kleyn scoring as Kings switched off at a line out. Rory Scannell completed the rout with a smart drive. 43-0.
Reflections
The positives for Munster Rugby were the performance of the back three. Mike Haley at full back reveled with ball in hand from deep; made endless yards for the side and his cohesion with colleagues around him was much better. Andrew Conway’s ability to create and dominate in the air was to the fore. Darren Sweetnam was sharp in his defensive duties and provided an attacking outlet out wide. A good cameo for all three players.
The adjustments from Munster Rugby in the second half saw very eye catching. They negated the Kings’ threat in the breakdown, quickened ruck ball with the introduction of Mathewson. Cloete was industrious as well and got his trademark breakdown steal. Wycherley is such a prospect; thunderous display from the West Cork native. Botha’s work rate was infectious.
The set piece dominated Kings pack. The scrum was a destructive means of creating field position. John Ryan is scrummaging superbly well this year and his domination tonight should provide more food for thought for Joe Schmidt and the national team. The line out at times misfired (understandable given the weather conditions) but when required, the usual suspects delivered.
Kings continue to struggle on the road. Their back three have serious potential but they are let down massively by their discipline. The penalty count was off the charts tonight and setup easy attacking opportunities for Munster Rugby. The opening quarter was decent but it means nothing if the side cannot be consistent for the entire game. Kings need to step up in this tournament; their second half performance was rubbish and not one for the league organizers to watch. Kings need to increase their squad depth and talent, otherwise the Port Elizabeth side are wasting their time in this competition.