ONCE more unto the breach, dear friends, once more; Or close the wall up with our English dead. In peace there’s nothing so becomes a man as modest stillness and humility; But when the blast of war blows in our ears, Then imitate the action of the tiger. . . .
The words of Henry V as he led his ‘army of friends’ into battle against the French.
This weekend, Munster go to war with Toulon in the Heineken Cup. Returning wounded and defeated from battles in Dublin and London, Munster prepare this week to defend their fortress against the star studded French marauders of Toulon.
“If ever we needed to get back to Thomond Park, If ever we needed our supporters to rally around us and if ever we needed a big performance it is this Saturday. We are going to have to rock up on Saturday with our hard hats on.” commented Donncha O Callaghan this week.
The Munster and Irish lock spoke passionately this week about the need for the squad to secure a home win against a talented and affluent Toulon team.
“One team will come out of this group. Home matches are vital. It is just the beauty of this tournament. You have to be at your best week in week out. It is great for players like us to test ourselves against big squads and big budgets. I think it all comes down to playing for your team and your mates as opposed to playing for your bank account” added O Callaghan.
The fired up international continued, “It is what gets you across the line on occasions. I have been lucky to play for a few years now and I never think of it as playing for a team, I see it as playing with my friends. It is hugely important for me. I mean when the sh*t hits the fan, you will go further for a friend than you will for a team mate. That is what it always comes down to. The love of your team and the love the game.”
ONCE more unto the breach, dear friends, once more; Or close the wall up with our English dead. In peace there’s nothing so becomes a man as modest stillness and humility; But when the blast of war blows in our ears, Then imitate the action of the tiger. . . .
The story of this game is the mis-match in form, budgets and expectations. Toulon are flying high in the Top 14. The squad is a who’s who of World rugby. They will expect to win. (Being led by whomever gets the nod at 10, Wilkinson or Contepomi)
Munster on the other hand are hurting. Stupid, stupid citings and some hard luck injuries mean that Munster are a wounded animal. With only a handful of backs remaining, Munster will look to go ‘old school at the weekend in terms of tactics.
Munster coach Tony Mc Gahan wasn’t giving much away this week, but reading between the lines he was not happy with the number of knock ons last week, (Munster having only one put in to a scrum in the game) decisions made at crucial times and of course discipline.
Munster fans all know that Thomond Park is a place of great miracles. We have all stood there and witnessed teams batter the stadium, the team and their history with all they have, only to leave bemused. In some peoples eyes now though, there are cracks appearing. Chinks in the Red Army’s armour.
The loss last week to London Irish may well be all Munster can afford. With Toulon away and Ospreys back to back remaining, Munster might just struggle. However, it is when Munster’s stock is at an all time low, the performances sometimes come.
Little things can show signs of special weeks. Peter Stringer’s return last week is followed this week by Jerry Flannery’s comeback. Ronan O Gara, (the most battered and bruised from last week) is showing class once more. Keith Earls and Johne Murphy showed signs last week of brilliance.
Peter Stringer and David Wallace this week spoke of how special Thomond Park is. “When I look back on my career, Thomond Park is the place where my best memories are” commented Wallace.
“The place is special on big Heineken Cup days. There is something indescribable about it” added Stringer.
The scene is therefore set. Come kick off on Saturday, the fans will have done their job. The fortress will have been barricaded. The invaders, (Wilkinson, Contepomi, Lamont, Lobbe, Bruno, Hayman, Mignoni, Sackey and Wulf) will be ready with all they have.
The rest lies with the much maligned and aging warriors of Munster. Lighter in numbers and in belief. Can they do it once more? Can the high come from the low? Over to you Donncha.
“It is up to us now. It is all well and good asking people to turn up and roar for us, but if we are playing like a bag of sh*t, it makes it hard for them to be supportive. We have to win this one”
