Munster 28 – 14 London Irish
After the soul crushing away defeat to Toulon a few weeks ago you may have been mistaken in thinking that Munster’s European journey had come to an abrupt end. Such was the interest in the city from fans, punters, publicans and local businesses in the Heineken Cup that you may be forgiven for thinking that all was lost. This of course is not the case.
After this weekend’s superb fight back and bonus point win thanks to a magnificent final fifteen minutes, Munster has now secured a place in the Quarter Finals of The Amlin Challenge Cup. Munster will travel to Stade Amédée-Domenech to face Brive in the quarter-finals to be held in April. Local rugby enthusiast Paul Quinn said “Although it was a shame to exit the Heineken Cup, this gives the younger players meaningful opposition in a European setting while also keeping the season alive for the rest of the team. I wish them well”
If successful here then European Rugby will once again return to Thomand Park as Munster will play host to either Harlequins or Wasps in a home semi-final. If all goes according to plan then this will be a real boost for the city and the fans. Harlequins and Wasps are huge teams with great travelling support. Now all we have to do is defeat Brive to secure this all-important match and bring European Rugby back to the home of Irish Rugby.
Munster 28
Tries: Varley, Ronan, Earls, D Hurley Cons: O’Gara (4)
London Irish 14
Tries: Mapasua, Tagicakibau Cons: Bowden, Lamb
Those dates for these games are as follows:
Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-final draw:
(Ties to be played 8-10 April.)
Stade Francais v Montpellier
Brive v MUNSTER
La Rochelle v Clermont
Harlequins v Wasps
Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final draw:
(Ties to be played 30 April/1 May.)
Stade Francais/Montpellier v La Rochelle/Clermont Auvergne
Brive/MUNSTER v Harlequins/Wasps
