Kidney bridles at referee questions
Declan Kidney was angry at suggestions from Guy Noves that Munster's history with referee Nigel Owens might have played a part in his team's Heineken Cup victory on Saturday.
Declan Kidney was angry at suggestions from Guy Noves that Munster's history with referee Nigel Owens might have played a part in his team's Heineken Cup victory on Saturday.
Munster won the final 16-13, playing one of the most disciplined periods of keep-ball rugby to grace the Millennium Stadium over the final half-hour.
Noves suggested that Munster's cause had been helped because Owens had officiated no fewer than four of Munster's matches on their road to Cardiff, including the crunch pool matches against Wasps and Clermont, and both quarter-final and semi-final.
Noves had suggested that Munster were better able to harmonise their style to Owens', while being quite clear about not questioning his integrity, but the remarks infuriated Kidney.
“Munster got an advantage from being refereed by the same referee in pool matches, as well as the quarter-final, semi-final and final, which is something I have never seen before. They could play to his style at the breakdown,” said Noves.
“We know Munster are a team of great quality, they were very physical at the ruck, and very good at the lineout, which is why they could close out the game. Their ball retention was fantastic, and they knew what to do to beat us.”
Kidney rebuked the comments, insisting his team won merely on merits of strength and discipline.
“It was a hugely disciplined performance,” he said.
“The purists will say what kind of final was it? We're after coming out on top against Toulouse and not a lot of teams do that. Winning this competition is more than about today but we did what we needed to do today.”
When the question was raised about Owens having officiated Munster's past matches, Kidney bristled.
“You are questioning the referee's integrity. It could have counted against us. I think the referee has done a good job – and excuse me for getting annoyed.”