Graham Rowntree says Leinster capitalised on Munster "chaos" as Leo Cullen hails magic Croker night

This URC collision saw Leinster blitz Munster in a breathtaking opening and Reds boss Graham Rowntree explains why the visitors were so slow to land a punch at Croke Park

By: irishmirror.ie

Oct 12 2024
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Graham Rowntree says Leinster

Graham Rowntree lamented Munster's chaotic start and lack of accuracy as they were easily conquered by Leinster at Croke Park.

The injury-hit Reds conceded three tries in the first 14 minutes - and, realistically, were out of the round four URC contest by half-time.

Although they won the second half 7-0, it wasn't enough to get Munster back in the contest against the table-toppers - whose record now reads four wins from four and 20 points from a possible 20.

"It certainly wasn't our best 20 minutes that I've seen against Leinster," said Rowntree, reflecting on the loss of the three tries so quickly.

"It was chaos. A double HIA, we didn't have a hooker on the pitch at one point, trying to get 15 players on the field. Jeremy Loughman got a blood injury as well.

"They sensed we were a bit disjointed and got the ball to the edge of the field and took their opportunities. As a headline to the game, from us, it wasn't a lack of effort. We just have to get better at taking opportunities. They had minimal opportunities, but took them all. They're a dangerous team like that."

Munster have to pick themselves up quickly as they embark on Monday on a two-game trip to South Africa against the Stormers and Sharks.

"I'm pleased with our effort there," added Rowntree. "They're a challenging team to play against but accuracy has got to be better. We can play, it's just on occasion we get a bit sloppy, a bit late to the ruck, a forward pass, a bit of ball retention, our accuracy just has to be better. I can't fault their effort."

Meanwhile, Leinster head coach Leo Cullen, who must await reports on injuries to forwards Jack Conan, Lee Barron and Ryan Baird, was really pleased with his side's contribution to an historic day as a record crowd of 80,458 attended the interpro.

"Even just the drive into the stadium across town, it's magic," he said. "We feel so lucky, from the player's point of view, to be able to perform here.

"It's hard to compare to last season. It's different, isn't it? A lot of Munster fans in the ground and they made a lot of noise over the course of the warm-up and it just adds to the occasion.

"It's a very, very special occasion, but it's round four now and it's turn the page quite quickly. We'll watch this Connacht game against Ulster with great interest and Connacht have shown a lot of really positive form over the first few rounds of the season and it's going to be a bloody tough game down there now next week.

"For our guys it's just to be able to turn the page in their own mind and recover well - and get excited for a trip to Galway next Saturday."

Cullen also hailed what was RG Snyman's 'home' debut for the Blues - the World Cup winner scored a stunning try on the stroke of half-time to kill Munster hopes of a comeback.

"Yeah, it's weird thinking 'home' in Croke Park," smiled Cullen. "RG has been fantastic - 50 minutes last week, 50 minutes again today, gets in for a try."

Grinning, Cullen added: "A mixed response coming off, but yeah, he's been great since he's come into the group and hopefully he can kick on now. We're really pleased."

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