Munster player ratings: ‘Flawless’ Craig Casey the Irish side’s ‘little genius’ as powerhouse youngsters impress for injury-hit hosts
Craig Casey and Brian Gleeson in action for Munster.
Following a 24-17 victory over the Lions in the United Rugby Championship clash at Thomond Park on Saturday, here are the player ratings for Munster.
15 Mike Haley: Solid in the backfield and very lively with ball in hand, Haley constantly wriggled his way through tackles to give his side front-foot ball. Also worked incredibly hard and it typified Haley’s performance that he was the one who chased after Craig Casey’s kick following a turnover – incredible work ethic. 8
14 Andrew Smith: Made a few metres with ball in hand but left his side short a man for 10 minutes after going to the bin for a deliberate knock-on. 5
Adapted superbly
13 Dan Kelly: Moved out one following Alex Nankivell’s withdrawal and defended well for the most part, getting one turnover and stopping a talented Lions side from making too much headway except for the pass which was intercepted for a try. 6
12 Seán O’Brien: Another player that was forced to move position, going from wing to centre and he handled it impressively, but he too found himself on the sidelines for a spell following another deliberate knock-on. Carried hard, however, and defended well, while he was also denied a try after a TMO intervention. 7
11 Shane Daly: Busy in the first half but less influential after the break as the South Africans began to get their hands on the ball more often. Still, a solid showing given that he was a late inclusion. 6
10 JJ Hanrahan: Jack Crowley pulled out just before the game which put significant pressure on Hanrahan. However, he managed it superbly as the fly-half impacted the contest in a positive fashion for Munster and was particularly impressive in the first half. 7
Little genius
9 Craig Casey (c): Aside from one stupid kick, which led to a Lions try, Casey was flawless. Dictated the game from the base and put his body on the line throughout the 80 minutes, deservedly getting the man of the match award. 8
8 Brian Gleeson: The young number eight showed his immense talent, dominating with ball in hand and regularly getting his side over the gain line. Gleeson was the game’s top carrier with 17 and made over 50 metres, mostly in traffic – a brutal display. 8
7 John Hodnett: Was lively in the first half, making it difficult for the Lions at the contact area and pouncing on any loose ball, but he was replaced early in the second period. 6
6 Jack O’Donoghue: The maul destroyer did a brilliant job on the Lions drive, earning one key turnover and stopping them from getting too much traction at the set-piece. It was another masterclass in the tight from O’Donoghue, although quite what he was doing kicking over the top from the base only he will know. 8
Impressive youngster
5 Evan O’Connell: In for Fineen Wycherley, the youngster looks a real talent. O’Connell was powerful in contact, deservedly getting over for a try, and was also excellent in the lineout with five takes. 7
4 Tom Ahern: Similar to his lock partner, Ahern was busy around the field and also touched down for what proved to be the decisive try. Went off soon after but he had put in a fine 56 minutes of work. 7
3 Michael Alaalatoa: The scrum wasn’t too much of a factor but the tighthead put in a fine shift around the field. Carried hard and displayed deft hands on the gain line to keep his side in control of that battle. 6
2 Niall Scannell: Lineout went smoothly enough and he put himself about around the field, but he departed the action early in the second period. 5
1 Jeremy Loughman: Similar to Alaalatoa, his best work was around the field thundering into contact. He did his bit on both sides of the ball. 6
Replacements: Alex Kendellen made some key interventions when he came on, but it was more about holding onto what they had when the bench arrived given the inexperienced nature of some of the replacements. Gordon Wood, who is 20, and 22-year-old Ruadhan Quinn both featured in the latter stages and helped Munster to see out the game as they moved into the URC quarter-finals and sealed Investec Champions Cup qualification. 6