Rugby story by Boris Webb, Mon, 19 Dec 2005 13:44:00 GMT


Munster did what as needed to stave off a stiff challenge from Dragons, but it is very clear that they need to improve by leaps and bounds if they are to pose a puzzle to European challengers. And with a sixth semi-final in seven years beckoning, Munster need to pull up their socks pretty fast.

In the match against the Dragons, outside-half Ronan O'Gara began positively for the home side with a typical goal that saw them take the early lead within seventh minutes. The first quarter was all Munster, but Dragons bounced back strongly to go 10-8 into the break.

With a lead of only 2 points, it was looking like a tough match, but once again Munster proved that they had the gas to run the whole race. Back-row forward Anthony Foley's wonderful try was just the fillip they needed and Munster did not look back after this. Thomond Park began to buzz at this point of time and a late try by Jerry Flannery got them the victory.

The Dragons coach Paul Turner admitted that Munster deserved their luck, "We probably scored one of the tries of the season but we just couldn't hang in there, even for a bonus point. They (Munster) probably deserved to sneak it," he said after the keenly-fought game. "We were in good shape - far better shape than last week -all the teams have had to live with the problems of having the international boys away." He added that they had trained well for the game and gave the home team a big fright.

Munster coach Declan Kidney said that he was not disappointed to lose the bonus point, "We went to get the bonus point at times - we were eight points in front, I think, and kicked to touch instead of going for the posts,"" he observed. "We can get carried away here - we've beaten a good quality side in the Dragons twice, and we'll take eight points any day."

Match details
Referee C White (England).

Munster: Payne; Kelly, Connolly, Halstead (Murphy 72), Horgan; O'Gara, Stringer; Horan, Flannery, Hayes, O'Callaghan, O'Driscoll, Leamy, Wallace, Foley

Newport-Gwent Dragons A Thomas (Morgan 41); Chapman, Luscombe, Bryant, Fussell; Sweeney, Baber (Cooper 61); Black (Maddocks 64), Jones, Robinson (R Thomas 54), Gough (Sidoli 64), Charteris, Oakley, Ringer, Bryan (Owen 41

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